HANDBOUND

AT THE

UMVr.RSITY OF

p)

BEL L't

BRITISH THEATRE,

VOLUME THI TENTH,

B E L L's

BRITISH THEATRE,

Confiding of the modeflecmcd-

ENGLISH PLAYS.

VOLUME THE TENTH.
Being the Fifth VOLUME of TRAGEDIES.

CONTAINING

MEROPE, by AARON HILL.
BARBAROSSA, by the Rev. Dr. BROWN.
ALZIRA, by AARON HILL.
PH^DRA AND HIPPOLITUS, by Mr. SMITH.
MEASURE FOR MEASURE, by Mr. W.
SHAKESPEARE.

LONDON: -^ 6 '
Printed for JOHN BELL, at the Britifh Library, Strand,

DCC LXXX,

sZair.

Jcene 2.

SELL'S EDITION.

ME ROPE,

A TRAGEDY,

As written ly AARON HILL, Eft.

DISTINGUISHING ALSO T M 1

VARIATIONS OF THE THEATRE;,

AS yZRFORMZB AT THZ

n

Regulated from the Prompt-Book,

By PERMISSION of the MANAGERS,

By Mr, H O P K I N S, Prompter.

LONDON:

I'rinttd for JOHN Brit, near Exeter-Excban^tf in tb* Strandt
and C, ETHKRINGTON, at Tcrk»

PROLOGUE,

le your generous hearts to fparc display?
Where mirth ivoiid laugh humanity away.
!T'7i'0 thoufaud years our tale has foook the ft age ^
And mov'd the heart of Greece, from age to age :
F.v'n Alexander <vjept our queen's dcfpair,-
And the world's conqueror fat conquered there.
What reach of tajle could Attic pride prefume,
What flame of courage e*er dijiingu(ftfd Rome,
But Britain s Jons may boajl an equal merit,
Would Britons think and aft with Britijh fpirit /
3Tc Jlatterlng trijlers of an hour too Jhort ;
Te foes to thinking, and ye friends of fport^
Forbear to laugh, when penjively diftreft ;
Sighs, in yon circle, five II the beauteous Ireaft*
Charms to the faireft face, foft forrow lends ;
Pity and innocence arc Irfom friends !
And <when deep anguijb jhakes a feeling mind*
How mujt it ake when ivitlings fneer behind1?
Nor dream, ye gay, that only mirth fyould pleafs ;
No fprightly w/V ier laugh* d ojf life* s difcafe*
Experience tells us, joon or late comes care,
Jlnd he <iv/jo flies from thought will meet dcfparr*
Ladies, be firm to pajjion's tender eft claim,
Sighs arc love's breezes, and will fan the flam?*
Laughing gallants may promife merry lives,
But laughing hujl;ands makcyou weeping wii'cs.
*They whofe o\vn hearts can feel ivil/ treat yours left $
And he give pain, that thinks it but ajcft*
Nobly ivccp out, nor let an ill-tin? d llujh,
Keep lack the ftruggling tear that longs to guj}.\
All that are <wife and brave, by nature knoiv^
irtues mark, to wee at others wtv.

A z Dramatis

t 4 3

%

DRAMATIS PERSONS.

MEN.

Drury-Lane.

) general of Mycene, Mr. Palmer.

Eroxy favourite of Polyphonies^ Mr. Hurft.

JEHmenes, fon of Merope^ Mr. Cautherley,

EurideS) a lord of Mcropfs party, Mr. Aickin.

Nar&as, fofter-father to Eumenes% Mr. Packer.

WOMEN.

Mtrope, widow of the late king, Mifs Younge.

Ifmene, daughter of Narbas* Mifs Hopkins*

Chief Prieft, and other Priefls,
Eadies, Officer?, Guards, &V.

MEROPE.

t -S 1

M E R O P E.

#^* The lines marked tv'ab inverted commas, ( thus,' are omitted In the
representation*

ACT I.
SCENE, an apartment in the palace.

Merope, mournful, on a couch ; Ifmene leaning melancholy
- beto-iv ; and Attendants. .

IsMENE.

SEE where the lone majeftic mourner weeps •
Loft, even to mufic's power — try, (train each note

In melody's wide compafs. Happily,

Some change, through fad, to lively, may have force, .
To ilrike recovering fenfe, and wake regard.

Firil, in low iympathy of forrow's fofmefs

Sooth her dejected foul— then, ilart at once
To fwells of joy, and ilorm attention *s$ ear.

[Mujic -:y/V/> trumpets,
\After the nuific, Merope rifcs, and comes forward*

Mer. Let me, when next thy too officious love,
Faithful Ifmene, tries th' harmonious charm,
Let me have mutic, folemn all, and flow, .

Sad-iuited to my thoughts Mix not for me,

Who have no power to tafte, fuchfprightly notes,
As they who are more happy find more fweet.

Jftn. Why, when the .gods grow. gentle, are you fud •?

You felt their anger fharply Now they iniil^,

Embrace their profter'd bounty All the lords s

Of glad Mycene, in full fenate -met,

Take mt-afures to proclaim you reigning queen :

You, \vhom.dillreis but brightens ; to whole charms., .

Made awful by your grief, woes add new majefty.

jV*>. What, no news yet, of Narbas, or my ion ?

A 3 JjTn*

6 M E R O P E.

Iff a. May it be foon — No prince, of birth like his,
Where'er conceal'd, can 'fcape fuchfearch, unknown,

Mer. Will ye, at length, ye Powers, reward my tears ?
Will ye, at laft. reftore Eumenes to me ?
If he yet live — this only remnant heir
Of his wrong'd mother's miferies, Oh, favehim!
From his dear breaft, ftrike wide the murd'rer's dagger,
Is he not yours, a branch from great Alcides ?
* Whattho', (forget it, and behufh'd, Oh, faith!)'
Whattho' to traitors profp'rous fwords you gave
His father's fated life— Ah, yet, defert not
This image of his form, that fills my foul !

Ifm* Deartho* hedoubtlefs was, and juitly mourn'd,
Should you exclude all fenfe of blifs befide ?

Mer. I am a mother— with a mother's fears.

Ifttt. But can a mother's fears efface the ftamp
Of hero's foul, that marks a race like yours ?
Sweet tho* his infant fmiles, they dwell too fix'd,

Too deep on your touch'd memory Long years

Are pail fince firft you loft him. .

Mer. Loft him ! never —

In i wicefeven dreadful years, no moment's light

Broke on my eyes, but brought his image with it.

Why tell'ft thou me of time ? — Days, months, and years

Have grown, but with 'em grew my pain, to lofehim.

Weigh that laft fatal hint thy father fent me;

Hope foon, faid he, to fee the prince Eumenes

AH you would wiih — fear all from Polyphomes.

Ijm. Wifely you fear him But 'twere wifer ftill,

So fearing, to prevent him. Hear the dates ;

Quir, at their prayer, this regent's name ; be crownM,

And rife indeed the queen they meant to make you.

Mer. Is not the crown my fon's ?

Ifm. A fon ib lov'd,
Should he return, would thank——

Mer. Periili the heart,

That, meanly proud, and poorly fill'd for felf,
Swells from another's lofies !

Ifm. Public intereft

Mer. Curfe on all intereft that includes not honcfty !
But here, ev'n int'rcft brings no plea to tempt me.
What can achildlefs mothci hope from empire ?

What

M E R O F E. 7

What has diftrefs to do with pomp's vain luftre ?
I fee the very light of heav'n with pain.
Never ihall fplendor chearthefe Mailed eyes,
Thatfaw my bleeding lord, my murder'd children;
Saw my friends tall; faw men and gods for-fake me.
Oh, guilt ! Oh, perfidy ! Oh, death's dire day !
Prefent, for ever, to my frighted foul.

Ifm. Oft have I wept to hear that fad day's tale.

Mer. I hear it now — even yet their cries rife round me,
Save, lave the king ! fave the poor gafping princes !

Save the dill rafted queen ! 1 fcream 1 fly

On every fide I turn, meet battling crowds, Dngs >

Swords, glitt'ringfpears, loud (bouts, and mingled groan-
Meet la it — a fight — beyond all fenfe of horror !
Meet an expiring hufband's out-ftretch'd eye,
Strain'd with a death-mix'd tendernefs, on mine •
And itruggling from his blood to reach and clafp me.

Jfm, Patience, Oh, Madam ! and forget thefe horrors.

Mer. There two expiring infant fufPrers fell,
The eldeftof our loves — duteous in death,
Crofs the king's bread they threw their little bodies,
And lent their hands — weak aid, to fave their father.
Only Eumenes 'fcap'd th' ailaffins' fury ;
Some interpoiing god vouchfaf M to veil him ;
And he who fcreen'd him then, may once rcilore him.
Narbas, thy wife, thy faithful father, bore him
Far from my fight, to fome dark fafe retreat,
4 Some defart, barren of diftrds, and man.'
Enter Euricles.

Ifm. Madam— ——Lord Euricles •«

Mer. Welcome What hope ? [fpread

Euri. Vain was our fearch from Pencils' bank, ic

O'er vaft Olympus : far and wide, through Greece,
Enquiry, labVmg, loft its fruitlefs prayer.
Peicription could not wake the leaft idea.
None knew, none ever heard of Narbas' name.

Mer. Alas, he breathes no more ! — my ion is dead.

Ifm. So, fear makes real every fancied woe.
You've heard, that on report of this new peace,
My fraiher guides him, fecret, to our hopes.

Euri. Juil was his camion 1 Narba?, wifely loyal,
Veils his return, audcautioufly conveys him,

Narbas

8 M E R O P E.

Navbns knows all his dangers-— I, mean while,
Watch, with aguardful eye, thefe murd'rers motions,
And, with determined hand, prepare to lave him.

Mer. On faith fo try'd as thine, ev'n woe leans eafy,

Eiirl. Doubt but my power's detect ; my will find-3
But I have news more threatening: [none.

Th' aiTembled fenare vote, in warm debate,
A confort in your crown. —

Mcr. Prefumptuous care !
You fnould have call'd it infult,

Euri. Words were vain.

Truth, imfuftain'd by power, but figlits to fall.
The partial people roar for Polyphonies ;
And right, .and law, and piry link before him.

Mer. Can fortune, then, reduce the great to pity ?
Gan kings, in their own realms, contract to (laves ?

Euri. Something mud be refolv'd, to check their fpeed,

Mcr. Yes, I will face thefe lords of kings and law ;
Comets of empire : thefe portentous ftars,
That Iparkle by the fire they fteal from majefty.
I will go dart truth's lightning in their eyes,
And thunder in their ears the rights of thrones. ,
I will revive 3oit fenfe of trull and duty ;
I willaitert their fov'reign's near return. [Going.

Euri. Oh, Heav'n ! be wary That way ruin lies>.

Their tyrant .leader ilarts, already fii'd

By that alarm, and dreams of what he dreads.

Mcr. \Vhat can he more, fo much already done ?

Euri. Jealous of danger, men make haflc in guilt,
Work to be fafe, and hold no means too wicked.
Mycene, but by faction freed from faction,
Chiim'd like a conqueit, he computes his own.
No tye fo facred binds endanger'd valour,

M here hot ambition fpurs it Every rampart

Gives way before him. Law, corrupted, guards him,

Wealth dreiles, poverty attends, pride leads,

And priefthood preffes gods who hate — tofervehim. .

Mcr. I fee th' abyi's before me Let it be.

If I plunge in, and crufli this Polyphonies,
'Tis but to fall for vengeance.
Soft ! he comes,

\Exiuut Euricles and Ifmene,
Mcr.

M t R O P t. §

Mcr. Wear, for a moment, heart, the veil thou hat'il,
Enter Polypontes.

Pol. Ever in tears, my queen !— Lend a long truce
To fighs, and caft afide your ncecllefs forrow.
Shake from thofe injur'd eyes each cloud that dims 'cm,
And to the voice of love vouchfafe your ear.
You frown

Mcr. I do indeed, and gaze with horror.

Pol. Gaze on— I am no flranger to inyfelf,
Nor to a woman's paflions. I grew grey
Beneath a weight of winters fpent in arms.
I know time's furrows are no paths to love ;
1 know it all — but wifdom knows it not.
'Weigh not my offer in difdain's light balance.
You are the daughter, mother, wife of kings ;
But the (late wants a matter. What avails
Vain title, till fome fword, like mine, fupports it ?

Mcr. Bold fubjecl of a king who call'd me wife,
Dar'ft thou defame the mem'ry of thy lord
With fuch audacious hope ? — Afpire to me !
Me, to fupplant my child, my heart's whole care ;
Stain his diihonour'd throne with guilt and thee!
Me, canft thou dream fo bafe to wed thy lownefs,
And crown with empire's wreath a foldier's brow ?

Pol. Soldier! Immortal gods ! who more deferves
To govern ftates, than he who beft can fave ?
He who was firft call'd king, ere that, was foldier.
Great, becaufe brave, and fcepter'd by his fword.
I am above defcent, and prize no blood.
Scarce is my own left mine ; 'tis loft for glory ;
Spilt in my country's caufe, in yours, fair fcorner.
Take fafety — 'tis my.gift. Fill half my throne ;
My party calls all mine ; love (hares it yours.

Mcr. Party ! thou fell provoker of reproach !
Party fliould tremble, where a monarch rules.

Pol. There will be parties, and there muit be kings ;
And he who bell can curb, was form'd to reign.
I, who reveng'd your lord, by right fucceed him.

Mcr. Succeed him, traitor ! Has he not a fon ?

Gods were his great forefathers — thence his claim.

Pol. Far other value bears Mycene's crown.
Right to rule men is now no longer held

id M E R O P E.

By dull defcent, like land's low hermitage ;

'Tis the pluck'd fruit of toil : 'tis the paid price

Of bloodr loft nobly ; and, 'tis thence my due. [hope ?

Mer. What haft thou done, thou wretch, to dare fuch

Pol. Bethink you of that day, when thefe proud walls
Blufh'd with the blood you boaft, from traitors fvvords.
Review your helplefs hufband — lee your ions
Expiring round you — Wipe thofe gufhing eyes,
And view me what I was, not then too low

To (hare your ruffled paffions Yes, 'twas I,

From your freed palace chas'd th' o'erwhelming foe,

Sav'd your Herculean fceptre, and its queen :

I, I repell'd the woes you could but weep.

See there my right, my rank, my claim to love ! [fon !

Mcr. Hear, hear him, Heavn, and give me back my

Pol. Yes, let him come, this fon — He (hall be taught
Leflbns of glory ; taught my arts to reign»
Joy to the blood of Hercules ! — I too
Revere, let others dread it. My ambition

Climbs beyond progeny To fpring from gods

Is lefs than mine, who like a god command.

Mer. If thou wouldft emulate a god, be juft :

Man can be brave too boldly Hercules

Sav'd many a. king — But did he fteal their diadems ?
Wouldft thou refemble Hercules ? — Protect
Unfriended innocence. AfTert thy prince ;
Reflore th' unhappy wand'rer to my arms ;
Ceafe to anTuSt, and give him to my fondnefs.
Thus could thy influence move ; fo try'd, fo courted,
Who knows— for gratitude has power like love

Who knows how far I might forget my glory

And — if peace dwells with thee — exped it not

I will not bid you hope — that I can ftoop
So low' Bend, I am fure I cannot. [Ex. Mer».

Enter Erox.

Erox. Ent'ring, I heard her too prefumptuous (corn,
And wonder'd at your patience. Waits a king
For a weak woman's wifh, to fix his throne ?
Greatly and bravely have you clear'd your way
To the hill's foot; yet, when it courts your climbing,
Fall back to figh, and leek her hand to lead you.

fol.. Near as thou think'ft I Hand, my warier eye

M E R O P E tt

"Marks, 'twixt the throne and me, a precipice.

Where faith or I fall headlong Does not Merope

Know her Eumenes near ? Should he return,

Th' inconftant people would with fliouts receive him,
And Imooth his way to empire o'er my bofoin.
Thou know'ft, from proofs, moil timely intercepted,
This new boy king returns, and hopes Mycene.

.Zirav, Trull your high fortune, and difdain to doubt,
Fore tight and fiercenels are the brave man's gods,
And his own hand iupports him.

PoL My late order

Erox. 'Twas, with afilent firmnefs, well obcyM.
From Elis to Mycene, every road

J-s watch'd by ileeplefs warders If they come,

Narbas and he, their gods mult march be tore them,
Or not Alcides' blood could 'fcape the fliedding.
Your foldiers' zeal is warm.

PoL But is it blind ?

Ero.\\ It is— None knows his name, whofe life he waits*
All they have yet been told, is a fad tale
Of an old wily traitor, leading with him,
Onmurd'rous purpofe, an aflaffin youth,
Urg'd, by exaded oaths, to feek your death.

Pol. But what this rumour of Mifanthus kill'd
Before Alcides' temple ? — Is that true ?

Erox. Too fure he fell 1 chofe his truity arm,

Join'd with his martial brother's as molt fit
To guard that likelielt itation ; where (hould Narbas
Dare, with his exile, touch Mycene's border,
Firlt they would reft, to beg that godhead's care,
From whom their race prefumes its proud defcent.

PoL 'Twas forecait worthy of a zeal like thine ;
Nor could thy care have chofen an abler hand,
Or one more try'd in blood, than that Mifanthus.
'Twas he, thou know'it, that, faithful to my caufe,
On that black night, attending near Crcfphontes,
Taught the king's fvvord, amid the dufk of (laughter,

To pierce its mailer's breait An act fo daring,

Deferv'd the fword, tho' three rich gemsadorn'd it.
He had it, and he wore it for his pains.

Erox. Yet at Alcides temple, drew it raflily,
And loft it, with his life.

Pol.

** M E 'R O P E.

Pol. How fcap'd his brother ?

Erox. Scar'd out of memory's ufe, all he cou'd tell me
\Vas, that the god infpir'd ibme dreadful form ;
Some more than mortal monfter ; — and he fled.

Pol. Vile farety ! — lerthis brother unreveng'd,
And fliunn'd a ibldier's death. — We mull be watchful.
Some in-felt bodings bid me call this ftranger
Eumenes, or his friend.

Erox. That fear was mine ;
Till, on reflection that he came alone,
It look'd unlikely.— Chance it as it may,
Whene'er he this way comes, he comes to die.

Pol. True. — Yet, I cou'd have wifli'd to fpare this
But, one firfl chofen, the reft grew neceflary : [crime.

So falls thefon. The mother muft not follow.

Her, I have need of. Marriage mends my reign.
Her rightful title confecrates ambition :
And ufurpation whitens into law.
—The people love her : I, poileffing her,

Hold her friend too, in dowry. — Erox ! thou,

Whofe fate grows cloie to mine, aflift my fcheme.
Skill'd how tofpread craft's nets, allure the people.
Train 'em by ev'ry art : poize ev'ry temper,
Avarice will fell his foul : buy that and mould it,
Weaknefs will be deluded ; there, grow eloquent.
Is there a tott'ring faith ? grapple it fad
By flatt'ry ; and profufely deal my favours.
Threaten the guilty. Entertain the gay.
Frighten the rich. Find wiflies, for the wanton ;
And reverence, for the godly — let none 'fcape thee«
Dive into hearts : found every nature's bias

And bribe men by their paffions but, thefe arts,

Already thine, why wafte I time to teach thee !

Vainly the fword luccefsful fcales a throne ;

^Since, fortune changing, ilrength's loft hope is flown.*

But art, call'din, attracts reluctant will :

And, what were loft by power, is gain'd by ikill.

[Exeunt.
END of the FIRST ACT»

ACT

1

M E R O P E. 13

ACT II.

SCENE, the Palace.
Enter Merope, Euricles, Ifmene.

MEROPE. -

S the world dumb, on my Eumenes' fate !
Jfm. Calamity, too fcon, had found a tongue.
Mer. Has nothing, from the borders, yet been heard ?
Bur. Nothing, that claims your notice.
Mer. Who is he,
This prifoner, I am told, but now, brought guarded ?

Rurl. A ralh young ftranger, caught with guilty hand,
Red, from the recent marks of fome new murder.

Mer. A murder ! an unknown ! — Whom has he kill'd ?
Ko'v ? nnJ where was it ?— I am fili'd with horror.

//;//. Oh, fenle too lively, of maternal love !
All things al. inn your tcnderneis. You hear
Chance (peak ; and take her voice, for that of nature.
Mer. What is his name? whence came her — Why
unknown. [ance,

Ear/. He feems, and is, if truth may truft appear-
A youth of that foft {tamp which fortune leaves
To nature's gen tie ft care ; foine nymph's Adonis,
Whole eye, might fooner be fuppos'd to kill
'i h' unpity'd.rriaid, than his g:iy fword the man.

Mer. \\ horn (tell me) has 'he kill'd ? — anfwer — I'll

lee him.

27.nri. What Grange emotion, this !— ~
Mer. No matter, — bring him.
If I difcover guilt, 'tis mine to punifh :
It vvrong'd, I owe him mercy.

Euri. Should he have merit,

Tis ptac'd ib low, by fortune —

Mer. Fortune's taults,
Where merit lufters, call on kings, to mend 'em.

Euri. What can a wretch like this defer ve from power r
Mer. Oh, Euricles ! look inward : aik thy heart.
Be, for a moment, but, this wretch, thyfelf —
And, then, acquit the power, that fcorn'd to note thec.
<• — Beiides, who knows ? he may---Be ilili, prompt
four.

B * Per-

I4 M E R O P E.

' Perhaps, my troubled mind ftarts hints too lightly.

* Hearts that have ev'ry thing to fear, flight nothing.

* — Let him be brought-— I will, myfelf, examine

him.'

Euri. Your will muft be obey'd.

Mer. Go, my Ifmene ;
Bid thofe who guard the pris'ner bring him hither.

[Exit Ifmene.

Mer. Stay, Euricles. [Euricles (ffering to go.

Stay, and partake more terrors- --cou'd you think it ?
Prefs'd by new forrows, I forget my pair,

And have not yet inform'dyou< Poliphontes

Hap d«r'd demand my hand : dar'd talk ot marriage.

Euri. Oh, queen,

I know his offer'd infult : know, it (tains
Your name ; yet, bluihing, add, ---your forc'd confent,

Grown rnfamouily neceijary, .(land?,

The fole, fate bar, 'twixt all your nice, and ruin.

i Mer. 'Tis horror, but to think, fo vile a dream !

4 Euri. So thinks the army. — So, the ienate thinks.

* So think th' exacting gods : and, fo

4 Mer. The gods ! — —

* Why were they nam'd ? — could they forgive fuch fall :
4 From their own offspring, to a ion of clay ?'

Euri. The king, yourfon

Mer. Ah, name not him. ---How, Euricles,
How wou'd he thank, my choice ot" fuch a father ?

Euri. Princes grow wife* by forrows. He will fee
That hated choice the root of all his fafety.

Mer. What, what, have you been telling me ?

Euri. Hard truth :
Due, from firm loyalty, to weak didrefs.

Mer. Can Euricles then plead for Poliphontes ?

Euri. I know him guilty :---but I knew him ralli :
Know him refiftlefs :---know him childlefs too ;
And know you love Eumenes.

Mt*r. Loving him,

How can I chufe but hate the hand that wrongs him ?
Princes fhou'd be above thefe fel f- fee u rings :
And born to live tor truth — or die for glory.

[Sits andwccpS) regardlcfs of Eumenes'j entrance.

Enter

4

M E R O P E. '5

Enlcr Ifniene. Guards, ivitb Eumenes, in chains.
Eum, [T'e Ifmene.] Is that the queen, fo fam'd for

miieries ?

I fa. It is. [rows J

Eum, How fweetly awful! — how adorn'd, by for-
Ijm. Why dolt thou paufe ? the queen admits thee

nearer.

Eum. No wonder fo much fweetnefs, fo diHrefs'd,
Mov'd, even fo greatly diihmt,---as to me :
And drew me from my defart !— give me leave
To {land a while — and gaze unmark'd and note her.

Oh, ye protecting gods, whatever becomes

Of an abandoa'd, namelcfs thing, like me,
Blefs this iupreme unfortunate 1
ffa. Madam, ---the prifoaer waits.
])/(/-. \Turning% to obfirvc him.'] A murderer, this ! —
Come forward, ftranger.
~ A mien like this, a murd'rer's ! — -Can it be,
That looks, fo form'd for truth, fo mark'd for innocence,'
Cover a cruel heart? — -Come nearer, youth !
Thou art unhappy : bid that fate protect thee :
And fpeak, as to an ear that ioves the wretched.
Anfwer me novv---Whofe was the biood thou fhed'ft ?
Eum. Oh, queen !— Yet- --for a moment-— fpare my

tongue.

Mcr. Murder, and modefly !-- -whence all this fhame f
Enm. Refpedt, confufion,— ibmething here--unnain*dt
And never felt, till now, ---have bound my tongue.
But, Oh, do jutlice to your power to {hake me ;
And, let not hefitation pafs for guilt.

Mcr. Go on — Who was he, whom, I'm told, thou

haftkill'd?

Eum. One, who with wrongs, and infult, urg'd my
Young biood takes fire too aptly. [raihnefs.

Mcr. Young ! was he young ?
Ice, at my confcious heart, were warm---compar'd
With what he chills my foul with !— Did'ft thou know

him ?

Eum. I did not. All Mycene's earth, and air,
Her cities, and herfons, are new to me.

Mcr. What, was he arm'd, this young aflaulter?

Came he
With malice? or for robbery ? Be of comfort.

13 2 If

x6 M E R O P E.

If he attack'd thee, thy defence was neceflary.
And fad necelTity makes all things juft.

Eum. Heaven is nay witnefs, I provok'd him not.
*Tis not in valour's \vifh, to ofter infult :
And lure, it is no crime, to check it, offcr'd.

Mer. On, then— relate the chance, that led thee
hither.

Eum. Entering your borders, I beheld a temple,
Sacred to Hercules ; the God my foul,
Low as my lot was call, afpires to honour.
— What ihould I do ? bare vot'ry as I was !
I had no ofFrings : brought no victims wirh me.
3/oor, and opprefs'd by fortune, what I cou'd
I gave — I knelt, and pour'd a heart before him,
Warm, as a hundred hecatombs! pure, humble,
Pious, and firm. — Th' unhappy can no more.
I afk'd not, for inyfelf, his undue blefTmg,
I pray'd protection, to his own high race :
For, 1 had heard, great queen ! your wrongs required it,
The prefent god, meihought, receiv'd my prayer :
His altar trembled ; and his temple rung ;
Keen, undulating, glories beam'd about me:
I know not how I bore it !— but, my heart,
Full of the force infus'd, at once grew valtcr.
Mv fwefling courage, far above myfelf,
Sullaiii'd me and I glow'd, with all the god.

Mer. [Rifag in emotion.} Go on, methinks, the god

thou nam'it fpeaks in thee ;
And ev'ry hearer glows, as warm'd as thou !

Eum. I bow'd, and left the temple— Following came
Two men, of haughty ftride, with angry low'r :
Roughly accofling, they reproach'd my prayer.
How did I dare, they alk'd, folicit Heaven,
To aid fedition's purpoies ? No god
Shou'd fave a wretch like me, prolcrib'd by power.
— I heard, aftonifli'd ; and prepared to fpeak :
When, with impatient fiercenefs, each rais'd arm,
W'ith rage conjoin'd, came on.

Mer. [Interrupting.'] Both! — Came they,
To wound thee ?

Rum. Both, with madman's frenzy,
Struck at my breail, ignobly.

M E II O P E. 17

Thou haft eas'd me.
Go on. — Thefe men had fouls, that match'd their fate.

Rum, Unarm'd, and inofleniive, fo furpriz'd,
The god I had addre fs'd repaid my prayer.
— Warding the weakelt itroke, with fwordlefs hand,
Swiftly I clos'd, and feiz'd the wrerled fleel
From him vvhofe ftronger arm more nearly prefs'd me-
Seiz-'d it with lightning's fwifrnefs : for, oppreilion
Roufes diitrefs to vengeance. — On himfelf,
I turn'd his pointed weapon ; fav'd my breait,
And plung'd it in his own. — He tell. — The other
Started, and curs'd : but, like a coward, fled,
Falfe to his dying fellow. — Mighty queen,
This is the lad lliort truth. May the kind power
I bow'd to, touch your ear; and move your pity !

Mcr. She were a tygrefs, that cou'd hear this tale,
And paufe upon thy pardon — Still, go on :
How wer't thou feiz'd ? hide nothing; and hope all.

Eum. Shock'd by uncertain dread for what was dojie^
I gaz'd ailonifh'd round ; and mark'd, beneath,
Where, at a furlong's distance, the fait wave
Broke on the fhore. Sudden I fhatch'd the corps,
And, haiVning to the beach, gave it to the lea.
That done, I iigh'd, and fled: your guards, great queen,.
For what efcapes fuch eyes as Heaven's and yours !
Unfecn by me, mark'd all ; follow'd, and took me.

Mcr. [To Euricles.] Did he rcfift, when feizM ?

Eum. I cou'd not, Madam.
The name of Merope difarm'd my will.
They told me they were yours. I bow'd, and yielded.
Gave 'em my new-gainM fword, and took their chains.

Euri. This youth, by him he kill'd, was judg'd
another.

Mcr. Oh, I have noted all : and Heaven was] uft.

— Retire, to farther diflance, gentle youth.

I'll tell rhee, Euricles !

Methought, at every word this wanderer fpoke,

Pity or fornething, tenderer than pity,

Clung to my tender heartftrings ; nay, 'twas flranger !
For, 1 wiil tell thee all. — >Crdphontes features,
4 Heav'ns, what ideas hopes •and fears can raife !*
INly dear dead manly lord's refembled features ;

B 3 I faw

iS M E R O P E.

I faw, and trac'd, (I blufh, to think what folly !}
Trac'd — in this cottage hero's honeft face.

////;. Compafiion is a kind and generous painter.
— Yet, truth herfelf mult grow as blind, as fortune,
Ereilie cou'd look on that unhappy youth,
And find him lefs than worth her kindeft pity.

Euri. Ifmene fpeaks my thoughts. He's innocent.
The gods have ftamp'd their mark of candor on him,
And no impoftor's art inhabits there.

Mer. [To Eumenes.J Again approach me. — In wkat

part of Greece
Did it pleafe Heaven to give tliee birth, good youth ?

j£itm. [Advancing*] In Elis, generous queen.

Mer. In Elis Tell me.

I hop'd it had been nearer. — Halt thou, ever,

In thy low convene, heard the fwains, thy neighbours,

Mention the name of Narbas — or Eumcnes ?

— The laft, thou mull have heard of.

£um. Never, Madam. [condition -

Mer. Never ?— -That's ftrange ! what then vv;is ihy
What thy employment f and thy father's name ?

Evm. My father was a fhepherd ; learn *d and wife j
Prince of the fylvan fhades, and pait'ral vale,
He led th' attracted hearts of liil'ning fwains,
And pleas'd 'em into fubjec~ts---in himlelf
Too humble for difHnc~tion---had not virtue

CompelTd him into notice.

He liv'd imenvied; for, excelling all,
He veii'd fuperior eminence, by modeily ;
"No claam'd exemption eas*d his life from care ;
'Peacefully poorl and reverently belov'd !
His fleecy harvefts fed him : and, his name
Was Policletes, Madam.

Mcr. What thy own ?

lLum. Low, like my paft'ral care — to cottage ears
Adapted — and unform'd for your regard.
— Yet, Elis, oft, may deign to {peak of — Dorilas.

Mcr. Oh, I have loft my hope. Heaven mocks relief:
And every ibrting fpark is quench M in darknefs :
So, then, your parents held no rank in Greece?

Qum* Did rank draw claim ftom goodnefs, they have
rights

Wou'd

M E R O P E. 19

Wou'd leave all place behind 'em ; ' inborn virtue
• ' Can borrow no enlargement, but lends all
4 That keeps contempt from titles.'

Mer. Every word

He utters has a charm ? But, why, at home

So biefs'd, and to fuch parents doubly dear,
Didit thou, forgetful of the care thou owed'it 'em,
Quit their kind cot, and leave 'em to their tears ?

Eum. A vain deiire of glory, firfl feduc'd me.
Oft have I heard my father mourn Mycene,
Weep for her civil wars, and (Wring queen.
Oft had he charm'd my young afpiring foul

With wonder, at your Hrmncfs ! So, inflam'J,

I learnt, by flow degrees, to think my youth

Difgrac'd by home-felt virtues : weigh'd the call

Of glory againft duty ; and grew bold

To hope, my humble arm might add fome aid

To prop your warring itandards. — See, great queen,

The only motive of my erring rafhnefs.

For heaven has taught me, tho* it loves your caufe,

I merit my diftrefs : who left my father,

Wanting, perhaps, m age's feeble calls,

Some help I might have lent him.— 'Twas a fault.

But, 'twas my firil ; and I may live to mend it. \AJldc 9

Mer. Methinks, I hear Eumenes So, my foul

Informs me, had he known defcent thus lowly,
So my Eumenes wou'd have thought, and ipoke.
— Such is his age, where'er conceal'd he mourns :

Perhaps too, fuch his fortune -driven, like this,

From realm ro realm, a wand'er, thus unknown !
Friendlefs, and hopelefs, and expos M to poverty !

1 will have pity on this youth's diltrefs,

And cultivate his fortune. What bold noife ?

[Shouts bear i without*
Whence can fuch rudenefs flow 1 — What is't, Ifmene ?

//."//. [/// a ci'/Wo-iv.] All ills are Poliphontes. The

vile nibble

Shout their fure vote for treafon. Poliphontes
Is king proclaim'd — and hope is now no more.

Eum. Oh, for the fword, once more, your guards

took from me !

Nuw, now, I feel thefe chains : no.v, fir ft they bind me.

Mer.

20 . M E R O P E.

Mer. Give him his fvrord. Let him be free as air.

Honed propofer ! but thy help's too weak

To prop a throne in danger.—

hum. Oh, queen! forgive prefumpticn in the

When they dare pity greatnefs. [poor»

All have their mis'ries — but, when crowns grow wretched,
'Tis arrogance in mean ones to complain.

[Exit Eumenes,

Euri. Too fatally, I prophelied confefs

This hard necellity ; which now you find ;
And feem, at leait, to footh the tyrant's hope.

Mcr. I mifconceiv'd the gods- I durft not dream
They cou'd have bid guilt thrive, and given up virtue.

Euri. They will not, Madam.

Mcr. So my fad heart ftill

Struggles to hope ; and, if they mark my woe,.
They will forgive my rafhnefs.

Exru Come what muft,
I will afiemble round you the few faithful,
And, failing to protect, partake your fall.

[Exit Euricles.

Mcr. Oh, people, people ! They, who trail your faith,
Bid the wild winds blow conftant.

Ifm. The people's voice is called the voice of gods.

Mert What villain baienefs wants fome bold pretence
That drains in heaven, to grace it ! Thefts, plots, per
juries,

Avarice, revenge, the bloody zeal, of pride,
And unforgiving bitterneis of heart ;
All — have iheir gods to friend ; their prieils to fanctify.
Enter Euricles, iv':tb a fivor.-t.

Euri. Sorrow on for rows bear down hope's laft prop..

Now, be a queen, indeed ! arm your great heart,

With preparation, to its utmoit ilretch :

For, it it ll.mds this fhock, its power's immortal.

Mcr. No — I am finking, from all fenfe of pain ;
And {ball grow fafe, by want: of ftrength to fuffer.
Speak— there is now but one fad truth to dread ;
And my foul waits it heard ; — then reits tor ever.

Euri. It has plcab'd Heav'n — this fvvord ! this fatal
fvvord !

Mcr. I underihmd thee ; thou would'fl fay, he's der.cL

Euri.

M E R O P E. 21

Euri. Oh, 'tis too fu rely fo ; th' atrocious crime,
At iail, fucceeded — and all care is vain.

Mcr. Gods ! gods ! — 'tis done — now all your bolts
have ilruck me.

Jfm. Guard her dillrac~ted brain !

Euri. Save her, kind Heaven !

Mcr. What have I done ? where have I been ?

Euri. Alas, where grief, too oft,
Has left th* unhappy recollect.

Mcr. Oh, Euriclee, I recoiled too much.
Truft my fufraining heart, it breaks not yet.
Comfort's brief clouds, methought, came fhadowing o'er
I5ut I am tound again ; a wretch, fo friendlefs, [me ;
That muclnefs will not lend relief, but fauns me.

Euri. Perifli that young, that impious hypocrite !
'1 hat ill-admir'd attra6ter ol your piry,
Whom your protection fpar'd lor fancied virtue !

Mer. "Who ? What ?

Jfm. Not Dorilas ?

Euri. Him, him That Dorilas.

JMv. Monfter ! btyond all credit of deceit !

Ifm. He ! 'tis impoffible.

Euri. He was the murderer ;
I bring too clear a proof. Pafiing, but now,
I found him waiting j freed him from his chains ;
And, to re-arm him, for the caufe he chofe ;
Call'd for his fword— Which, as heftretch'd his hand
To take, I mark'd, and trembled at the view,
Thefe once-knovvn gems — too well remember'd here.

Mcr. [Taking the feyord.] Oh, all ye ileeping gods!

'twas my Crefphontes',

' Twas the king's iword. Narbas, beyond all doubting,
Sav'd it, that dreadful nighr, for my Eumenes.
Oh, what a falfe vile tale this flatterer form'd,
To cheat us into pardon !
Take the dumb dreadful witnefs from my fight.

[Giviug Euricles thcfiuord*

Yet, flay -return it me.

\Refumestbefwwd) and kneels*
J thank ye, gods !

Thank your infpiring juftice, and accept it.
Live, but to thank you. for this dire, due, facrifice,

Which,

22 M E ' R O P E.

Which, from the childlefs mother's widow'd hand,
Your heav'n-diredted vengeance well demands. [Sbe rlfes,
Yes, I will fheathe it, on my hufband's tomb,
Deep, in the bleeding murd'rer's panting heart ;
1 Then, fcorning Poliphontes, pierce my own;'
So, die, reveng'd, and fafe, — abfolving heaven.
Go, Euricles.

Run. Not fo. — Yet bear his fight ;
That, from his own dire mouth, we may compel
DIfcovery, of his guilt's commiffion'd caufe ;
And, to the bottom, fearch this fatal tale.

[Exit Euricles,

Jfm. Erox ! the tyrant's minifler of death.
Enter Erox.

4 Erox, \_AjiJe.~\ Now, aid me, wily powers of win
ning art !'

Mr. How now ! what bold intrufion plac'd thce here ?

Erox. Queen of the kingdom's lord, his heart's high
Suffer a voice unequal to the tafk, [emprefs !

To wrong th* intruited fenfe of his told grief

Who fends me to condole you. Poliphontes,

Had you but fraooth'd that brow's majeftic bend,
I meant to have laid, the king, — this moment, heard
The rate, moil: pitied, of the prince, your ion,
Heard, and takes equal part in all yo.ur wrongs.

Mar. More, than his part, he takes, in what is mine;
EHe, had he never dar'd afpire, to feize
His matter's throne, nor name my murder'd Ton.

Erox. Wifhing, he waits but leave. Refpectis delicate,
And wou'd not, unadmitted, now approach.
Fain would he talk of comfort to your for rows,
Who, weeping, wants the power to curb his own.

Mer. What wou'd your artful fender come to fay ?

Erox, To beg, th;it to his hand you wou'd commit
This hateful murd'rer's punifliment. — He glows
For vengeance in your caufe. Shou'd think his claim
Unworthy a crown's trull ; lefs worthy yours,
Cou'd he forget, that juftice props a throne.

Mcr. No, tell him no. My hand revenges here.
Too fhort of reach, heaven knows ! but, what it can,
It fliall ; and neither alks, nor bears, his aid.

Erox. The king too tenderly regards your will,

Ta

TV! E R O P E. ' aj

To crofs it, ev'n in anger — lefs, in reafon.

— -I humbly tnke my leave.

Mcr. ' I grant it, gladly.' [Exit Erox.

Hunted on every fide, why waits diftrefs,
Till Hill new growths of anguifli, more opprefs ?
How poor a thing is life, dragg'd on to age,
To Hand, the pitied mark of fortune's rage !
Death fliuts out mis'ry ; and can befl reftrain
The bite of infult, and the goad of pain. [Excutif.

END of the SECOND ACT.

ACT III.

SCENE, tie Tomb of Crefphontes.

NAR EAS dlonc.
'AIL, venerable fcene ! hail, facredfhade!

Hail, fad-fought manes ot my long-lov'd lord !
My eyes lait object on Mycenian earth.
Was thy dear life and empire loll in blood :
Now Lite returning1, their firft mourning fearch,
Finds in this cold (till tomb, the whole flirunk reach
Ot thy contracted reign ; yet here, ev'n here,
Were thy Eumenes render'd back, ev'n here,
Narbas had held fome hope to footh thy ghofl.
How {hall I meet his mother's mournful eye,
Who bring new weight, to woes o'erchaivv'd before.
From every madd'ning ftreet, I hear loud fhouts,
Thole execrable bawds, toflatter'd power !
Proclaim the traitor Poliphontes, king.
He ! who, from clime to clime, track'd our fad way ;
Held, like a hunted deer, his prince, in chace ;
Hot in purfuit for murder ! — each known profpccl:,
Each point, each outlet of rhis neighb'ring palace,
Brings toafrlidted mein'ry fome new ftroke
Of forrow, frefh to pain — though fifteen winters
Havefnow'd their whitenefs on me, fince they fell !
Wou'd I cou'd find the face of fome old friend !
But, what court friendfhip's life Jails fifteen winters :

Soft. Whom has Heav'n fent here! if innocence

Dwells yet on earth, luch looks as thefe muft houfe it.

[Starts a* IfilJCne comes nearer.
Blefa

,44. M E R O P E.

Blefs the refembled mother's copied foftnefs !
*Tis my Ifmene; 'tis my own dear daughter.
Time cannot hide her from a parent cvc ;
Child as flie was— andchang'd fincelalt I faw her.
Enter Ifmene, followed by a train of virgins in white,
who bring bajl:cts, and fir ew flowers on the tomb.

Jf?n. Who is this bold unknown ? fo fagely form'd,
Yet indifcretely rude — at fuch an hour,
To break, abruptly, on the queen's fad purpofe.

Nar. Faireft of forms

Ifm. Who are you ?

Nar. Chide me not,

Sweet picture of the powers who fhed foft p'ty !
---I am anameiefs, friendlefs, weak, old man.
Once, I was a fervant to the queen you ferve ;
Oh, grant the gracious privilege to fee her.

Ifm. Rev'rend, and wife ! the firii, I fee you are ;
The laii, my heart conceives you---v\ hat a time
Have your mifguided wants unaptly chofln !
Your light wou'd now oftend her.-— Deep uiilrefs,
From dire folemnity of purpofe, brings her.
'Twere prudent to withdraw.

Nar. [In a low voice. ~\ Come near, Ifmene.

Ifm. Immortal powers ! who can it be ?-- -he knows me !
Fain wou'd I dare mix hope, with fear and wonder.

[Approaching /-v'/y/ .

Nar. Thou art my child. Kind Heaven has lent thee
—Be cautious, and obferve. [to me.

Ifm. [Kneeling,'] Prophetic heart.
Oh, Sir-— — 1 cannot fpeak!

Nar. \Raifing her.'} Hide thy furprize,
Ere yet fome dang'rous note detects our meeting.
— Soft as thy eyes Ifmetie, be thy voice.
And anfwer to my queiuon— round this tomb,
Why thus affembled moves that virgin train t

Ifm. Alas, the afflicted queen,

Diitraclcd comes, to offer on this totr.b,

Her life's laft facririce a dreadful victim !

—The murd'rer of herfon.

Nar. Eumenes, dead !

Ifm. Alas, Sir, cou'd you be a fir-anger to it r

M E R O P E. **

Kar. Blaft of my foul's beft hope.— Who dar'd this

villainy ?

Ifm. A youth who found him in Alcides* temple.
One, from whofe air of isanly modefty,
None furely cou'd have fear'd- --behold, he comes*

That fetter'd criminal is he. Oh, Sir,

Where will you now be hid ?

Nar. In death, Ifmene ;
If I now hear and fee, and am not dreaming.

Ifm. From the queen's eye,. I dare no longer—*

Nar. Stay.

Qjucens, kings, nor gods, (hall tear thee from my arm,
Till thouhaft heard me fully.
Solemn proceffion to a dead march. Merope, Euricles, faith

the fivord. isumencs in chains. Guards. Pr lefts, as to

facrificc—"— The queen goes up weeping, and kneels Jllent

dt the tomb, whili the reft range tbemj elves on each fide

ofthefcenc.

* Nar. [To Ifm.] Some black -foul'd fiend, fome fury

ris'n from hell,

* Has darkenM all dilcernment ! —Call'dft thou not
fc That tetter'd youth the murd'rer of Eumenes ?

* Jfm. I call'd him fo, ttx> truly.
' Nar. He is Eumenes.

* What angry god miileads the queen to madnefs ?

* She dreams Eumenes kill'd and kills Eumenes f

* Ifm. Now are my heart's late tremblings well ex-

plain'd.
c Quick let me rufli, and warn her erring hand.

4 Nar. Not for a thouiand worlds — to fave him foj

* Were but to lofe him furer Poliphontes

* Has ears and eyes too near us.

* I may anon find means, when all are bulled
To hide myfelf, unmark'd, amidit the crowd.'

i'ail and folemn mujic. Then a fong of Jacrijice by the chief

priefi.
Hear, from the dark and iilent lliade ;

Hear, ye jj«ile b^nds of death ;

Gliding from graves, where once your bones were laid,
Receive a murd'rer's breath.

Chorus of priefts and 'virgins*
Receive a murd'rtr's breath*

C M<r.

M E R O ? E.

. [Rifing and coming forward,] Where is this victim

---odious to nil powers,
But one, - the dreadful Nemefis ?

'{The guard's bring up EumenCa.

Eun. Yet, ere he dies,

"Twere rir fome force or torture fhould compel him
To name his \*ile accomplices.
^ Mcr. It (hall.

Say, momter ! what provokM thee to this guilt ;
And what ailbciates join'u thee.

.Eu>n. I appeal

/The gods, who find it fit my foul fhouM buy
At this dear rate, the moment's hope you lent ir ;
Thofe gods can witnefs for me ; they, who curie
The perjur'd, and diiclaim the bale one's fafety,
IVIy lips deteil impoiture :

—Nor know I, by what change In Hea\'ns high will,
I, who of late fo blefs'd, had touch'd your pity,
Fall now beneath your anger.

Afar. View this iword.-

[Tcking the f<word from Euricles.
Know you the dreadful object r

£um. 'Twas the villain's,
My juit hand puniih'd with it.

3/tT. Seize him. Rend him.
Swift to the deftin'd altar drag the traitor.
He owns it ! glories in his bloody crime :
And my ihock'd foul akes at him. [The guards feize /;:>/.
Off ....... -away - ^-ra^f'*

.

Spare your officious graip - 1 will be heard,
One laft loud word In fpiteof arms and infult.

Mcr, [After a Jignal to the guards ) who quit Eumene?.]
Thou then-, whodeal'il in death, can'il rind death fearful.

Rum. No, Madam, you miitake. Death makes the
But he who is a wretch receives him gladly. [happy •
—Yet 'gainft imputed guilt, the humbleft wrong'd,
Rife bold in innocence.

- Tell me, nor let your pride deface your pity,
Whofe fo high-rated blood was this I fhed ?

If he was dear to you, curs'd be my memory,
<OrI had rather loft my own than his.

Mer. Where has this cruel wretch been taught deceit ?

Why

M E R © P E. 17

Why was that look, fo like Crefphontes, his !

[Half fainting,

Euri. Great queen ! fuftain your purpofe. Think of

vengeance,
The laws of nature, and the lives of kings. -

Eum. Do laws, and kings, then call injuftice vengeance ?
Shame on the great ! Why long'd my eyes for courts ?
4 Courts, where the pride of guilt lays claim to honour.
« — Haughty of heart, why have they fouls thus abject ?
* They threaten, praife, fright, flatter, and infult me !

4 yet? oh, 'twas juiV 1 left my father raflily T

Felt not the pangs, weigh 'd not the tears I cofl him.
Fate drew ine from my foreft's guiltlefs quiet,
Deaf to the warnings of a father's wifdom,
And a griev'd mother's codings,

Mcr, Mother, faid he !
Barbarian ! hait thou yet a mother left thee ?

I \vas a mother too- till thy fell hand

Deprived me of a fon, and all life's comforts.

Eum. A fon ! your fon ?•

Mcr. Mine, monfter ! murd'rer ! mine.

Eum. 4 If fuch was my misfortune, fuch my curfe,*
If Heaven has made it poffible— that he,
Who in a fatal moment, err'd — and tell
By my ill-deftin'd rafhnefs, was- your fon,
Karth holds not fuch another wretch as I am !
And mercy's fainteft glimpfe fhou'd Hum to reach me.— -

Mer. Mercy ! thou hypocrite. If thou dar'il pray,

Ea>fe thy dumb hands ; and afk, in vain, from Heaven,
The mercy thou deny'dil my dying fon.

F.HM. Yet hear

Mcr. Stop his dftetled mouth ;
Force the doom'd victim to the altar's foot,
Veil him from I5i{hr, no more to be beheld :
Hide hisquenich'd eyes forever.

' \Tivoprieft* ^approaching with a I'd/, bffaatdtfsit) anil
t/Jf'O-ws it from him,

Eum. Off, ye vain forms !
Cover the eyes of cowards ; mine difdain ye.
Mine can, with ftedfaft and advancing fcorn,
Look in death's face full-fighted.-— When it comes,

Tis to be met, not- hid,

C z ' Wtt-

M E & O F E.

Welcome eternal day; bad world, farewe!.
[Advances between the Priejls to the tomb, followed by tht

Queen, Euricles, Ifmene, &c.

Mer. [At the tomb, ^jith the /word drawn, and Eume->

nes kneeling ready.}
Shade of my murder'd hufband ;— hear my call.

Chorus of fngcrs -voice's. Oh, hear !

Mer. Soul of my bleeding «bn, hearthou !

Chorus ofjjngcrs 'voices. Oh, hear !

Mer . Unexpiated fouls — if in thofe glooms,
Where walk the fullen ghofts of earth-wrong'd kings,
You hear atonement's voice, and wait redrefs,
Rife from your dire domains.

Chorus of fingers voices. Oh, rife !

Mr. Thoukft,

Tremendous power, pale goddefs, prefent flill !
To direful vengeance nerve this lifted arm,
And thus affifHng

[Ifmene, preventing tfe blow, Narbas Iriah into

and cries out loudly.'}

Nar. Stay, ftay that bloody burpofe ;
Death has already been too buly here",
And Heaven difclaims fuch facrifice.

Mer. [/« a frighted and trcmling attitude} Who art

Euri. Oh, 'tis Narbas ! [thou ?

Cautious conceal this chance, or ruin finds tiim.

Ifm. {AfiJe, to the queen.} Your vicftim is your fon

the prince Eumenes.
[Meropc lets fall the fivord, aftonijhcd and trembling.

Eum. \Raiftng himfclf to look round.} I heard a well-

known voice, now heard no longer.
Open, fad eyes, once more, from the grave's brink,
And find what feem'd >Ob, 'tis — it is— my father !

Nar. [dfideto Eum.] Hear, and be mute. Thy fate,
Depends upon thy filence. [uiiwary youth,

Eum. Whence, Oh, ye Powers !
Can all thefe myftVies rife ?

Mer. Oh, 'tis too much !
And life and J are loft.

[Fahits, and is fupfortcd ly Ifmene.

Nar. AIM the queen. ^ [gcr.

Ifm. Stay your imhaliow'd rites j the queen's in dah-

M £ R O P E. z9

Euri. Quit, rev 'rend priefts, your unpropitious facri.
rice. [Exeunt Pricfts.

Follow me, guards ; I will fecure your victim.

Eum. Oh, tat her [portant caufe.

Nar. [To Eurn.] Shun me, and patient wait th' im-
Eum. Oh, bid me, ere I die, but hope your pardon ;
And if I leave you blefs'd, 'tis all my prayer. [tue.

Nar. No more — The gods, who love, reward thy vir-
[Tbe Sold in- s and Euricles go off with Euments.
Ifm. Kind Heaven reilores the queen.
Mer, Where — whither have ye brought me ?
Ifmene, what means this ? Why weep my virgins ?
Oh, I have killM him ! [Look: fig wittily round wr.~\ for I

fee him not ;
And I am doom'd to pains in lite immortal,

Nar. Eafe your fad heart's too appreheniive ftartings.
Euricles has iecur'd him, and nothing's known. [bus ?
Mer. Sill that kind vifion haunts me — Art thou Nar-

Nar. Let my tears anfwer In this gulh of joy—

I give you back my truft, my king Eumenes.

Mer. [On her knees*] Oh, gracious Heaven! fupport

a woman's weakneis ;

And what my heart, yet panting, fails to utter,
Take from in y foul's touch'd fenfe, and make my prayer.
You are too great for thanks, too good for duty. [A*//o.

Re-enter Euricles hajlily.

Ew. Death to th* infatiate tyrant's thirft of infult I
This royal icandal to the name he fteals
Has with fome fatal purpo'e feiz'U the king,
And holds him to examine.

Mr. Follow me : -

Now fliall he fee what marks denote the queen ;
What difference 'twixt the guilty and the wrong'd.

[(?o%.

Nar. Madam- it muft not be,

Euri. Stay •• curb this ralhnefs.
Mer. Is he not mine ? Is he not yours ? Your king ;
Euri. The moment you confefs that dang'rous truih,
No god but hated Hymen laves Eumenes.

Mer. There thou hail let in light uj>on my foul

Rather than wed this Folophontes—

3° M E R O P E.

A*r. Wed him !
Wed Polyphonies ?

Euri. Him.

Nar. The world's laft groan,
Wrapp'd in furrounding fires, had lefs amaz'd me !
^ Euri. 'Tis with that view the people call him king.
Since he reveng'd Crefphontes' blood, they fay,
He bell

Nar. He ! --Every curfe of death furround him !

He ! he reveng'd ! The villain's own damn'd train

Shed, fpilt it. I beheld them ; trac'd the fiend
Thro' all his dark difguifes-— thro' night's eye
Saw the pale murd'rer flalk amidir, his Furies.
His was the half-hid torch, thepoltern key,
That open'd to the rebels rage the palace.
In the pierc'd infant breafts of two doom'd innocents,
1 law him plunge his poignard ; twice recciv'd it
Deep in my own, encumber'd with my charge,
Struggling to bear the third fav'd prince to {belter ;
And, track'd by my loft blood, with pain eicap'd him,

Mer, When will my growing horrors reach their end ?
Oh, my fix'd hate was initind ! fomething fatal
Dwelt on his dreadful brow, and bade me lliun him.
Blind, headlong, ili-difcerning, noife-driv'n people !

Euri. [Looking out.] Soft, the tyrant comes I

Mcr. « Can the gods leave that poffible ?'

Narbas, be hid this moment [Exit Narbas«>

Euricles

Fly thou find to my mournful fon accefs ;

Comfort his fears, but keep the fecrct from him. *

[Exit Euriclesa

JLntcr Poliphontes in nuptial roles, Erox, and train.

Pol. Health to my fovereign, late, now ib the itates
Decree, my wite, my filter, and my foul !
Diefs'd is the altar, and the prieils attend.—
Nay, do not turn aiide, and fliun your triumph.
Look, and admire the wonders of your power :
The god of love, to-day, fmooths all my wrinkles,
And 1 am taught by joy to fmile back youth.,
One care alone precedes impatient love :
They tell me your too tender heart recoil'd,
And lotl your purpos'd vengeance.— — Let it be.

Beaurx*

M E R O P E.

Beauty was meant to wound a gentl

Mine be the itroke of juftice. When I view

The murd'rous ilripling thro* the grief he brought you,

Pity difdains his caufe, and fate demands him.

Met: I find my felt", *tis true, too weak for vengeance :
Would I had power more equal to my wrongs !

Pol. Leave it to me ; 'tis a king's right ; I claim it.

Mo: I fhall confider of it.

Pol. Why? What doubt you?
Slackens your anger, that your vengeance hefitates ?
Is your Ion's mem'ry now lefs dear than lately ? [d'rer— •

Mcr. Perifh the will that wrongs him ! but this mur-
This youth — They tell me you fulpect accomplices—
Were it not prudent to fufpend his fate,
Till he declares who join'd him ?

Pol. What expect you
To clear, befides your fon's known fall ?

Mer. His father's - •—
That was a cup of gall - Oh, confcious guilt,
How dumb thy voice, unlock 'd-for, ftrikes the bold !

Pol. [jffter a pavfi.] Well - ev'n of that, too, we
ourfelf will aik him.

Mer. You are too bufy, Sir, in a purfuit
That leail admits your quick'ning.

Pol. Strange perplexity !

That what moil feeks your eafe, fiiould moft offend !
But, fpringit whence it may, thecaule remov'd,
There ends the doubt and pain— This wretch mall die,

Mr. Barbarian! horrible, inhuman ! - ;ir
Why have you fought to ilartle me ; - 1 fear'd
You meant to. {hatch my vic-tim from my vengeance.

Pol. But— fliall he really die ?

Mer. Die! Who— he die.?

Pol. This murd'rer of your fon.

Mcr. I go this moment ;
And will, alone, examine him.

Pol. Stay,. Madam.

This new embarraliment of mingled pains j
This tendernefs in rage ; thefe hopes, fears, flartihgs ;
This ayt to colour foine ill-hid diitrcfs,
That calls confulion o'er your troubled foul j

3* M E R O P E.

Half fentences broke fhort ; looks fill'd with horror ;
Are Nature's thin difguife to cover danger.
Something you will not tell, alarms my caution,
And bids my fummon'd fear take place of love.
In ent'ring here, I hadaglimpfe, but now,
Of an old man, who feem'd to Ihun my pretence :
Why is he fled ? Who was he?

Mcr. Scarce yet call'd
A king — and fee, already fill'd with jealoufies I

PoL Be kind, and bear your part, then Burthens?.

fhar'd,
Prefs light the eas'd fuftainersr Gome, your hand.

Mcr. A moment iince, you talk'd but of revenge j-

Now 'tis again nil love Away, keep feparate

Two paflions nature never yet faw join'd.

Pel. Let it be fo then : death fliall itrait remove
That obftable, and one wiih remains.
Follow, atleifure, you, while I prepare.

[£.*?»»/ Poliphontes, Erox, and Train.

Mtr. A ft for me now, and.fave me, great Alcides I
To power like thine all things are poffible ;
And grief, opprefs'd on earth, finds friends in heaven.
Then when the woe-funk heart is tir'd with care,
And every human profpe*it bids defpair,
Br_ak but one gleam of hcav'nly comfort in,
And a new race of triumphs thence begin.

[£•*•//, swV/6 Attendant*.

END of the THIRD ACT.

A C T IV* .

S C EN E, the Cajlhof Polyphontes. .
Enter Polyphontes and Erox,

POLYPHONTES.

SHE has,hev views, I mine-r-I fliould have fear'd" .\
Some hint's officious reach had touch'd her ear ; .
1 Ihould have dreamt her eyes had catch'd fome glance
To guid&difcovery down the dark abyfs
Where iny dole crime lies vcil'd in dumb obfcurity.; ,

But

M E R O P ti 3|

But that I know fhe is a woman, Erox,
And born to be capricious.

Ertx. Pride^ not diftafte,
Holds out her heart againft you.

Pal. Let her keep it.

My hope is humbler, Erox. 'Tis her hand
I feek : hearts are girls gifts to fchool-boy lovers.
Now let her fpleen ilart wild ; when time ferves aptly,

Means fhall be found to curb it Thou aft come

From founding this fierce captive fon of wonder ;
"What have thy thoughts concluded ?

Erox. 'Tis not he.

!No race of Hercules need there alarm you. v
This but foine rural brave, of fimgle nurture ;
Void of ambition's flame ; bold, blunt, and hoocft ;
Fearlels of menace, taftelefs of reward ;
And wanting ev'n the wifli to dare for power.
He cannot be Eumenes.

Pol. Who, then, ishe?

Erox. He fays he is a fhephefd's fon ; what more,
He will not be provok'd nor brib'd to tell.
Firm without fiercenefs ; without weaknefs, gentTe j
Open as day -light, yet as dumb as death :
Spite of my prejudice, he fofc'd my pratfe,
And hatred muft admire him.

Pol. Praife him on.

Be what or whom hb may, 'tis fit he die.
The people, who conclude his puhifhment
Inflicled for Eumenes' fancied murder,
Will dream that race extinclr, and cleave to me :
So danger comes lefs near, nor fhakes my throne.
What haft thou learn'd of that conceal'd prefumer,
Who, when the arm of Merope was rais'd,
Reftrain'd it with fome power that touch 'd hef foul ?

Erox. The young man call'd him father. Chance, it
In that nice moment brought him to his view : [Teems,-
He mov'd the queen's compaffion for his fon,
Fled, like a wanton, from the good man's care,
Who, in his learch, came forrowing on trom Elis.

Pa!. 1 caniiot truft this tale. Thou grow'it too credu-
Myfterious caution hangs too thick a veil [lous,

O'er all their late proceedings. That old maa

Left

34 M E R O P E.

Left the queen's prefence, darting, at my entrance.

Why was he hid, if a young ruflic's father ?

Why fhouldmy coming fright him ? He has heard,

Since then, his fon's redoubled danger dwells

But in my menace ; yet he comes not near me.

I had, ere now, beheld him at my feet,

Had his heart trembled with a father's terrors.

Erox. See, Sir, he's free ; and mark, the queen, how

Pol. I note it, and determine. [near-
No w, my filler

Enter Merope, Ifmene, Euriclep, Eumenes, and Guards*

Met: You fee, Sir, I dare know, and ufe my rights.
Hew had your will prefum'd to fei;«e my victim r
Am I but queen of Ihadows, that my vengeance
Mull move as you direct it ?

Pel. Nobiy urg'd !

The victim is- your right, requires your hand :
Mine had defac'd your vengeance — I afium'd
Pretence to aid it, b«t to fire your languor.
Take courage ; I refign him ; with his blood
Wafli this reluctant faintnefs from yourheart^.
And" give it. warmth to meet me at the altar.

Jl'ler. Horrid and impious hope !

Pol. Looks love fo frightful ?

Eum. [To Pol.] Who taught thee to afibciate love-.

with cruelty ?

What right has Cupid to a captive's blood ?
Yet mifprefume not, that I court thy pity :
He has too poor a view from life, to prize it,
Whole death can only ferve to fhorten pain.
But I am told thou cuil'it thy felt" a. king :
Know, if thou art one, that the poor have rights ;
And power, in all its pride, is lefs than juilice.
1 am a Granger, innocent and friendlefs,
And that protection which thou ow'ft to all,
Is doubly due to me for I'm unhappy.

Pol. Protection is for worth ; guilt calls for vengeance.

Eum. And what does wrong's licentious infult call for ?
In my own juft defence I kill'd a robber ;
Law call'd it murder, and the queen condemn'd me :
' Queens may miftake ; ev'n gods, who love, grow par-
I can forgive th' injuftice of a mother, [rial.'

And

H E R O P E. j

A ml could have blefs'd her hand beneath the blow.
* Nature has weaknelfes that err to virtue.'
But what hail thou to do with mother's vengeance ?
Law that (hocks equity, is reaibn's murder.

Pol. So young, Ib wretched, and ib arrogant !
Mechinks the pride of an Alcides' blood
Could fcarce have 1 we 1 I'd a foul to loftier boldnefs.

Mer. Pity prefumptuous heat; 'tis youth's prerogative.

Pol. Mean while, how happy fuch unpolifli'dplainnefs,
To move defence from art fo ikiH'd as yours !
Your fon, fure, lives.

Mer. Lives ! and fhall live. I trull him to the gods;
They can, they did, they will protect him.

Pol. What cannot woman's piry ? None, who marks
The willing pardon your fort looks infure him,
Can charge your heart with cruelty.

Mer. My looks,

Perhaps, hint meanings prudence fliould decline
To lend too loud a tongue to — but there are,
Whole heart f peaks nothing, yet tells all by tuitions.

Pol. Mark if I fpeak not now my heart's true language.
Traitor, receive thy doom [Drawing his f-ivonL

Mer. [Inierpofing.] Strike here, here, murd'rer !
Menace my breail, not his.

Pol. Whofe heart fpeaks now ?

Eum. Now, ye immortals, not to die, were not

To triumph To be pitied here, fo pitied,

By fuch a queen as Merope ! 'Tis glory

That every power beneath a god might envy !

Pol. If vou would have him live, coniefs, who is he !

Mer. He is

4 Rur. [Ttflfmene.] Oh, we are loft!

1 Ifm. All, all is hopeleis.'

Pol. If he has right in you, be fwifr to own him ;
Or lofe him by your lilence. [Offers to kill Eumenes.

Mer. Stay he is

Pol. Who? What? Say quickly

Mer. He is my fon Eumenes.

Pol. [Starting^ andajideJ\ 'Tis as I fear'd, and all my
fchemes are air. [Stands pcnjwely fi.Stl.

Eum. Heav'ns ! — Did I hear that rightly?

Mer. [Embracing him."} Thou art my foa,

Loud

36 JVf E R O P E;

Loud in the face of men, and ears of gods,
Crefphontes was thy father ; I atteft it ,•
I tell it to the winds ; proclaim it ; boall it !

Hear it, thou foul of murder- 1 have found him ;

And if I.lofe him now, whole Heaven (hall curfe thee»

Earn* I cannot comprehend it — Yet I kneel,
To thank you but for deigning to deceive me.
' Blefs'd is his fate who dies in fuch a dream !'

Mcr. One way thou art deceiv'd — the mother's love
Forgets the monarch's danger Poiiphontes— —

Pol. [Starting.] Go on 1 meditated — but fpeak,

Madam.

Met-. Thou now haft wrung from my affrighted heart,
The fecret that oppreis'd it. Thou behold'it
Thy king, diftrefs'd, before thee — Sigh, if thou canft,
Sigh for the ion, -prince, mother, fame and nature.

Pol. How to refolve will alk fome needful paufe—
Mean while, it (hakes my faith to truit your ilory.
You hear, the young man's hone-fly disclaims
This greatnefs you would lend him.

Eum. Modeil fenfe

Of my unequal worth compelled fome doubting;
But now 'tis truth conteillefs. Royal tears
Plow not for pitied falihood, and they prove it. ['em.

Mer. Tears touch not hearts of flint, and I will fpare
Did your pride [Kneels.] hear me — for your pity cannot :
See me an humble fuppliant at your feet,
]Mow fir il con felling I can fear your anger.
This fliould, beyond all proof of tears, convince you
That Merope's his mother— Still you frown :
I forget

My own long forrows, all my wrongs and infults ;
Smile to the future, and abfolve the paft —
Let him but breathe -to reign were to be wretched.
Cruel ! you anivver nothing — Look lefs dreadful —
Eafe my diilraded foul, and fpeak fome eoinfoi t.

Eum. Oh, Madam, quit that pofture ! My proud

Afpires to keep the glory you have lent it. ' [heart

If i, indeed, was born to call you mother,

Why do 1 fee and hear you not a queen ? [Raijei her.

Nor think my foul too haughty No diftrefs

Abiblves dejection { 'tis ihe brave's prerogative,

3 To

M E R O P E, 37

To feel without complaining.

* Now ftrike, tyrant

* Courage, reflrain'd from aft, takes pride to fuffer.'
Pol. [To Merope.] 'Tis well. I have, with juft at-

attention, heard ;

And in impartial filence weigh'd it all.
Your forrow claims fome right to call for mine,
And his high fpirit charms me. I take him

[Takes Eumenes ly the land.
Into my heedful care ; remit his fentence,
And, if found yours, adopt him as my fon.

Rum. Yours ! laid you ? — Yours !

Mer. Be patient, good Eumenes.

Pol. You know his deitiny ; you know what price
I rate his life at. Smile, and meet my wifhes :
For, may the gods, conjointly, curfe my reign,
If he furvives refuial ot my prayer.
Bethink you. In an hour I fhall expect you ;
Where, at the altar, to th' atteiting powers [him

You may proclaim your choice. That moment makes
My vicYun or my fon. 'Till then, farewel.

Mer. You cannot be fo cruel Leave him with me.

To fee him might perfuade me.

Pol. See him there ;
See him in Hymen's temple. Erox attend him.

[Exit Poliphontes.

Rum. Oh, queen ! Oh, mother!
If I already dare aflame a right
To call you by that dear, that awful name,
Think nothing that may mifbecome your glory ;
Do nothing that may mix contempt with mine.
I leave you to the care of Heaven, and die.
Lead me to the tyrant. [Exeunt Eum. and Erox.

Mer. Fly, follow, Euricles ; hold thy kind eye
Fix'J to this tyrant's motions. Fain would I dream
He threatens but to fright me.

4 Eurl. Willing hope
' So iiatters to deceive you. Too, too fare

* His purpofe : ev'n by nature item and bloody,

* How more, when power and fafety prompt his cruelty ?'

[Exit Euricles.

Mer. Find'thy good father j hafte, Ifmene, call him;
I) Tcil

33 M E R O P E.

Tell him diftrefs grows headftrong, and my foul
Sickens for want ot counfel.

« Ifm. [4/Mc.] What a blindnefs

* Is thirft of human grandeur ! Give me, gods !

* A cottage and concealment. Save the queen ;

* And from the curfeof courts remotely place me.'

[Exit Ifmer.e.
Mcr. [AloKc.~] No, there is none, no ruler of the itars

Regardful ot my miferies

Oh, my beloved fon ! my eyes have loft thce ever.

* I fhall no more fnatch comfort from thy hopes,

* Or wonder at thy fweetnefs.'
Why have the deities permitted this ?
Why have they fported with a mortal's mind.
Unpitying its dif traction ? Sent him to me
From a far diflant land — Sent him, for what ?

To glut the murderer's fword, who kill'd his father.
Yet you are juft, ye gods ! — Amazing darknefs
Dwells o'er th' eternal will, and hides all cauie.
I muft not dare to tax almighty power ^

For what I fuffer from it. Let it but pay me
With that curs'd tyrant's punifhment attain'd ;

Let me but fee my felt" depriv'd of him

See him expell'd {Tom light, ironi earth, irom name,
Deep as thechearlefs void below can plulige him !
And I will kneel [&r///j§-.] a wretch, and thank your
juftice,

Enter Ifjnene ^WNarbas.

JVvzr. Oh, queen, auguft in woes ! what wrongs are

yours !

r~ Mcr. [rifi.'ig.'] Yes, Narbas, I have facrific'd my fon —
Have given him up to death — have madly own'd him.
What mother, who beheld her fon as I did,
Doom'dand cndanger'd, could have then kept filence ?

Nfir. Gen'rous purpofe ! gloriouily you err'd,
And fell ; but from a height, 'twas fame to reach*
Dry up your tears, and fuminon all your foul :
Time prelFes, and a moment loft is fate. [Shouts heard.

Ifm. [Looking out.] LTproar and cries without, in riling

wildueis,

Heard from the city, reach the palace walls r*
Sure iign of new confulion.

Nar,

M E R O P E. 39

Nar. I faw the tyrant meet th' expecting prieils,
Attended, not in Hymeneal robes,
But veftments, fuch as facrifice demands,
And pomp of bloody rites, at dreadful altars :
To thefe his hand confign'd the vidtim, Jed,

And deaf'ningfliouts receiv'd him From the train

Of prieflly horrors, this waymov'd their chiefs,
Follow'd by loud, licentious buriis of joy,
Amid th' enormous fwell of whole coarfc roar,
All I diilindtiy heard, was Polyphontes.

Mer. Whei e are my guards, arm'd for my vengeance ?.
Call 'em.

Enter three Pr lefts*

What, are ye here already : — Out of my fight,
Ye fanctify'd deceits ! you, whole bold arts
Rule rulers, and compel ev'n kings to awe—

Begone, fly, vanifh !

Ye mouths of mercy, and ye hands of blood !

Chiff Pr. Soricws and wrongs claim privilege to rail ;
And Heaven's alii on ted vot'ries muit forgive.

Met: Cool in your cruelty ! — ' Religion's veil
* lil cloaks rebellion's licence.' Death was your errand.
W hy talk you of forgivenefs ?— Tis not yours.

Chief Fr. N<jt in death's caufe we come, but Heaven's

uncl love's.

If vows were plighted 'twixt the king and you,
No power on earrh diiiolves 'em.

Mer. Falfcasliell!

He ki.owb I neard Ii'-s hated vows with horror*
light iniolence — To this ill-founded charge,
iiilrnce and Icui n ihiill aniwer. \Turning awtiy*

Ci'li-j^ Pr', Gracious ibvereign.
Suipend your anger; 'tis unjuilly ra's'd ;
Enlighten, ai.-u command us. Found too eafy
In one wnjngV. iai;.h, we twice, perhaps, have err'd;

Alike deceiv'd in both Unbend that brow,

And deign to teach our doubt what name to give
This ft ranger, this young captive to thekin^.

]\'Ier. Give him the name you dare to mifapply ;
Call him your king — my fon — my loit Lumenes.

Chief Pr. Hear that, prophetic foul 1 — High Heaven,
i tremble,

D z In

4* M E R O P E.

In dread this great difcovery comes too late.
The (homing people crowd the waiting altar,
And, erring in their zeal, mif-hail the day.
What can be, (hall be try'd to crofs his doom.
They fliall be taught, with bold, advent'rous fpeed,
To fave their foverei^n's right — And hence, raih queen,
Learn due repentance, and no more let looie
The rage ot wrongs again ft the tongues of gods.

[Exeunt Prlcjls>

Mer. Thisfolemn fnarpnefs of deferv'd reproach
Struck my too confcious guilt with infelt awe.
1 have bee:: warm too foon, and juft too iate.
Whattho* Religion's guardian's taint her tide,
Pure is the fountain, tho' the ftream flows wide :
Too oft her erring guides her caufe betray ;
Yet rage grows impious when it bars her way.

[Exeunt*
END of the FOURTH ACT.

A C T V.

SCENE, a Prifon.

Enter Eumenes, Narbas, and Euricles,

EUMENES.

THINK, think upon your danger ; fly, lovM father,
Fly from the tyrant's power, and leave me to my

Nar. All fenfe of my own danger loft in yours, [fate.
I threw myfelf, regardlefs, at his feet :
Full of the fatal fubjeft, I began,
Uncautious in my tranfport. Starting confcience
Fled from the face of truth. He flumn'd to hear,
Broke fliort, reply'd, 'twas well ; gave me permiffion,
Nay, full of feeming zeal, injoin'd my coming-
Bade me go pay my laft ftiort debt of counfel,
And try to bend your heart to meet his will.

Euti. He added, that his queen — hecall'd her his— •
I blufli to name her fuch ; but fo he charg'd me.
Since me, he faid, in pity but for you,
Yields a reluctant hand to clofe with his,
?Tis time her fon, whofe life fhe holds fo dear,

Aids

M E R O P E. 4r

Aids his own int'reft, and confirms her fafery.

— The reft, hepaus'dand thought; but held it in,

Frown'd a difdainful nod, and bade us leave him.

Eum. Slowly awaking from my dream of wonders,.
I feem reborn to fome new world unknown ;
Where every thing I meet with (hocks my foul.

* — You talk of dying, whilft I yet half doubt,

* Whether, exifting now, I really live !'
If I am truly the loft wretch I feem,

If in Mycene now incios'd, I find

Queen Merope, my mother— King Crefphontes,

My father, murder'd— his fear'd murd'rer crown'dr

With his ftol'n diadem ; and in it daring

Offer his widow'd queen a hand, ftam'd, frightful,

In her firft hufband's blood All this to me !

Seems, while I drink in Heav'ns fair light, and view
Yon manfions of the gods, who govern man
Incredible ! aftoniihing ! — and horrid !

Euru 'Tis horrible, indeed ! too dark for thought !
•—But reafon's line wants depth to found Heaven's will.

Nar. Deign, my devoted prince ! my king ! my fon I
Suffer me ftill to ufe that long-lov'd name —

Deign but to live. Time, change, and fortune's

changes,

May vindicate your glory. — Since the tyrant
Tempts to betiuy, reward him with his own..
Deceive deceivers, and deceit grows virtue.

Eum. This in thy forefts, tilis ! had I heard
Even there, I fhou'd have blufh'd to hear from Narbas 1

But as I am. — No more.

Kind was your motives '---pitying my diftrefs,
You but forgot my duty.

Nar. Happy forefts !

Wou'd ye were ours once more ! there peace dwelt with'
There fafety flept upon unguarded hills, [us j

And every tree's loft fhadow cover'd anguifh..

* Euri. Soft! behold! the tyrant comes !'

Enter Poliphontes, /peaking to the foregoing.

Pol. Retire, and wait without.

{Exeunt Euricles and Narbas*

• -And thou, rafh youth,

Whofe unexperieac'd years, and gen'rous plainnefs,

D 3 Fill

4* M E R O P E.

Fill me with all the pity due to weaknefs !

For the lalt time I come to bring thee power.

Leave to my toil, to fmooth thy future paths ;

And root out faction's thorns, which trouble empire.

— When I arn dead, as age admits Ihort Hay,

Thou, and my Merope, will reign at eail-,

And thank my painful cares, and k>ve my memory.

—Why art thou dumb ? Paufe on 1 read thec

rightly.
Thou haft, I know, a kind of ftubborn pride,

Call'd courage and miilak'ft it for a virtue.

~'Tis virtue, when prefumption drives it not ;
But fuffers thought to guide it.

Eum, Guiding thought

Has held me patient long. Now, anfvver me,

Am I Mycene's monarch ?

Poll. For thy birth,

Beit, as truth, or trick, or chance, conclude it;
It from Ibme low, fome namelefs flock, derived,

Be humble, and advis'd and rife to greatnefs.

If happier offspring caft thee for a king,

Make thyfelf worthy of the crown I mean thee.

'Tis but to wait me to the marriage altar,
Where love, and Merope, and peace, attend.
There, to the gods and me, (Mycene's guardians)
Swear homage, and devote thy faithful fword.
That done, fports, joys, and fafety, crown thy youth :
And in thy riper years expect the diadem.
•- Determine,

ILvm. 'Tis determin'd.

Poll. Tell me how ?

E.wn. Why am I left unfree to chufe yet prefs'd

To tell thee my decifion ? The c^mpclTd

To yield, difgrace confcnt ; and make faith doubtful.

I am a captive. He who holds not freedom,
Has not his will his own ; and chuies nothing.

Poll. Fierce, amid mifery ! thou at once art brave,

And infolent, and wretched! but, beware,

Nor milt, too far, my pity of thy poornefs.
I give thee yet fome moments to relolve.
I go before thee : but my guards attend
To bring thee to the altar. Come, deterrmn'd

To

M E R O P E. 43

To fwear, and hope ray crown, and live, my fon,

Or die a flave unown'd, and lofe thy name. [«&£0/#g>

Eum. [Calling after bimJ\ Thou goeft then ?

Poll. [Stopping,] To eupect thee.

Eum. I will come.

And with me, (tremble to be told it) comes
The god that rais'd my race to root out tyrants,
Soon fliall the throne thou itol'it no more be thine :
Horror and penitence ihali pale thole eyes,
Whofe daring infolence now frown on virtue.
Menace and intuit then lhall quit thy voice,
And groaning anguifli grind it. — What the gods
Reitrain my hand from reaching, happier Ions
Of my immortal fire lhall rife to execute ;
And hurl thee from a power that hurts mankind.

Pot:. Here, Narbas ! Euricles !— You may return,

Enter Narbas and Kuricles.
I leave him to your leflbns. Too, too deeply,
He feels their pad impreirion. Teach him better ;
Or your exacted heads fhall anfwer to me,
For every \vell-kno\vn help I owe your hatred.
— Narbas, thy age, 1 think, might bed be milled.
Experience lays his dangers open to thee.
Thou, as thou lov'ft, advife him, — Whether bora
The fon of Me rope, or thine, no matter.
I mult adopt him mine, —or death demands him.

[Exit Poliphontes*

'Eum. Where did this lll-inftrufted tyrant learn

To threaten for perfuafion ! 1 fufpecl:

He does notfeem to doubt, but doubts indeed,

I fliarc no blood of Hercules. He's gone :

And call'd me to his altar. Let us follow*

Nar. Stay. Whither wou'd luch fatal rafhnefs

lead you ?

Enri. The queen has friends, howe'er too weak, too
Who dare defend her caufe. Give us but time [few :
To weigh, and to refolve, and thefe fliall aid you.

Etun* No. " • In an hour fo black, fo dire as this,

If I muft fall, I will. 1 go to try

I tafk but my own heart, and Heav'n to aid me,
What god forfakes the fricndlefs.

[Gving out, wets Merope and Jfmene.

Mcr. Stay, my fon—

44 M E R O P E,

Th' ufurper fends me to thee. Reft, unheard.

His errand : but my own requires thy ear.

It has, perhaps, been told thee, that the woman

Conquers the queen.

• Let no light credit of a guilt fo fhameful

Infult the daughter, mother, wife ah, me!

And widow — — or a king. Yet I muft go ;

Mutt at the altar lend my trembling hand;

And feem Oh, Heaven !

Rum. Oh, Madam ! fo to feem,
Were fo to be. Can folemn vows at altars,
Leave room for art's evafions ? ' See me fooner

* Tinging the fpotted ftone with gufhing blood :
' And my torn bread th'unfeeming facriiice.

' Mcr. So look'd, fo fpoke— fo fometimes frown'd,

Crefphontes.
« Full of thy godlike father, copy too

* The confidence he lent me. He hadfcorn'd

* To doubt me, for a moment, lefs then Merope.
* Eum. If I was guilty, think*

J\fer. No more. Time preiles ;

Heir my refolving will, and curb thy own*

Th' ufurper of thy throne no fooner joins

My hand's fupposM content, than at the altar

He iwears, in all the pomp of prieilly wirnefs,

To free thee from thy chains — and, from that hour,

Confirm fucceffion thine. •

Eum. Think at what price comes empire bought fo,
Rather than fee you wed this—* [dear I

Mer. Rafh, again?— •
Bound by an oath, fo witnefs'd by the gods,

A id all Mycene's priefts and all her peers

He dares not break ir ; and thou liv'ft to reign.
For me, who have thenceforth no cull for life,
I feek thy father in the glooms below.

Emn. No more.

—It ihall not be---See, my repugnant foul
Shrinks iroin th* abhorr'd conception. The felt god?
The god glows in me ; f\vells againfl controul ;
And every fpringy nerve is active fire !

Corae on, triends ! father! mother! truft my

firmuefs..

See

M E R O P E. 4$

See, if I bear a heart that brooks this wrong ;

That poorly pants for abafe hour of life

And let a woman's blood out- dare a king's. [Going*

Mer. Oh, flay! return. Call: flop him.

Euri. Sir !

Nar. Prince !

Mer, Son!

Rum. [Returning.'} Look out: fee yonder: view my

father's tomb.
Know you his voice ! Are you a queen ?

Come, lirten

I hear him---Hark !-— my king, my father calls !

Mer. Methinks the god

He talk'd of, 1 wells indeed his widening foul,
Lifts him above himfelf above mankind.

Rum. Come— let me lead you to the altar's foot.
There hear, there fee— there dwells th'Eternai's eye !

Mer. Ah, what is thy defign !

Rum. To die to live.

Friends ! — in this warm embrace, divide my foul.

[To Narbas, wbopreffes him tenderly*

'—Weep not, my Narbas.

Noblufh, tor deeds unworthy your inftructions,
Shall {tain remembrance of the care I cod you.
Stay thou, that this good lo d returning from me,
May find thee, and impart a ripening hope
Whereon your council may direct and lave.

On to the woik of fate it calls me hence

I hear it, and obey. [Exeunt Earn. Mer. and Euri.

Nar. Away — 1 wou'd nor fee thee fhare my' io-;*ow.

Ifm. Oh, 'twere too poor a wifh. He ; u knows, I
No (hare, I long tor power to b-ai it all, , leek.

Nar. Thou art too good f j\ courts — >vhere ruin preys
On innocence ; and nought but guile is fate.
— What are thy thoughts of this Lit prince's virtues ?

Ifm. I am unfkill'd in men ; and moft in kings.
But, lure! if ever beauty dwelt in form,
Courage in gentlenefs, or truth in grandeur,
All thole adorn'd perfections meet in him.

Nar. Yet, fee, how Heaven, that gave him all thefe

claims,
Forgets 'em, and refignshim.—Let that teach thee,

When

45 M E R O P E.

When foon, asfoon they will, thy fplendors fall,
Thou lofeft nothing, but a right to woes.

ifm. Shou'd the queen,
Baft of her lex,

Leave this loud itage of pain, and reft in death,
Oh, teach my willing feet to find fome gloom,
Dark, as my profpedts, deep inclos'd, ror faiery,
And lilent as the brow of midnight fleep !

Nar. Yes, we will go, my fweet Ifmene, go,
Where forrow's fharpeit eyeihall fail to find us.
Where we may mix with men, who ne'er ckceiv'd,
And women, born to be the charms they look.

. There is a place, which my luunenes lov'd,

Till youth's fond hope of glory dafli'd his peace ;

Where nature, plainly noble, knows no pomp ;

And virtue moves no envy. \$bouts»

• Hark ! That cry

Bodes horror 'tis the fignal of fome fate.

— — Liften, again {Shouts*

Ifm. Again I hear, and tremble.
Who knows, but now the queen's too direful deed
Has ended all her mis'ries !

Nar. No more thef'e eyes (hall find rhee, fated king 1
Crefphonies, and his race, are all no more.

Ifm. [At a w/Wflic.J Hence, horn the temple to the

palace gate,

The featuring crowd runs wide a thoiifand ways ;
All bulled, without view — All driven hy terror.
Entii' Euricles, bloody.

Nar. Breath Itfs and bLedin^ fee i who conies ! — Oh,
Euricles!

Ettri. Scarce had I flrer.gih, wedg'd in by crofllng

crowds,
To fiein yon breathing torrent. — Give me reit.

Nar. humenes ? does he live ?

l^uri. lie is the fon conteis'd of Grecian gods ?

Nar. What has he fuffer'd ?

Ettri. Nothing — but has done

Beyond example's boail. Oh, fuch a deed !

So terrible ! ib juft ! fo fill'd with wonders I

That half Alcides' labours fcarce were more.

tfar. And (hail he be a king.

"1 .

M E R O P E. 4?

Eurt. He is.

Nar. And Me rope ?

Great mirror ot affliction ! — lives Hie too ?
How was it ? — lay — my joys will grow too ftrong ?

Eur*. The altar, llrew'd'with flow"rs, was ready dre&'d,
The imoking incenfe rofe in fragant curls,
And Hymen's lambent torches flam'd, ferene,
Silence, and expectation's dreadful ftillnefs,
Doubled the foiemn horror of the fcer.e '
— There Foliphont.es llood, and at his fide,
Dumb as a deiHn'd victim, flood the queen.
Our prince's fummon'd hai:d had touch'd the altar :
His eye fought Heaven,, a:- if~ prepar'd to (wear.
The tyrant imi I'd': —when Urait, the prieil look'd pale;
The lights extinguiili'd ; aud the temple's roof,
Shoot a bv defcending thunder, ieem'd to bow !
The god ! the god i the reverend darter cry'd,
Forbids thefe baneful nuptials. ---Yes, I hear him,
The dreadful pri nee reply *d ; and, at that word,
Leapt, from the altar, to die tyrant's bread,
And plung'd the (acred axe of Sacrifice,
SnatehM, like a lightning's flam, a'nd reached his life.
— He fell — and o'er him while with pendant eye
Th' indignant hero hung with arm in-w-raisM,
Bale, from behind, pale Krox pierc'd his iide.

Red, in his mingled blood, and riling anger,

He heard the crowd's protective cry— turn'd fhorr,
And buried in his brow the lapid iK-cl.
1'hen, to the altar's height iublimely fprung.
Stood, monarch, all-confeis'd ; and wav'd the throng.
Come, let me guide you to this work of* Heav'n.
Halle, and partake it fly

Nar. Oh, happy day [Exeunt.

SCENE, the Temple of Hymen.

Eumenes difcovcr'd on tic altar ivitb the axe offacrtfce in
his hand* iVlerope kneeling^ priefts^ attendants, and
guards. [ 7 rumbcts an^Jhouts hcarJ%

Mer. Now, now, ye gods, my pray'rs are heard.

[A loud clap of thunder.

Eu/x. Hark, Madam, Heav'n approves ! th' attentive

gods

Hear

4* M E R O P E.

Hear hearts, and make voice needlefs — l Doubt not thert

* They are the good mind's guardians — my deliveranco

* Proves how they lov'd your virtue :' in your fafety
I feel the bleffing perfeft May I live

In deeds, not words, to thank the good they gave.
Mcr. Deeds, words, and thoughts are theirs—

Heav'n claims us all.

' Eum. [To the people.} Hear me, my people, tak«

your king, and with him,

Heav'ns belt gift, your liberty — haughtier monarchs
Place greatnefs in oppreffion : let my throne

Find fafety but in faving

Pride is too apt to harden profp'rous pow'r,
But he, whole youth is chaiten'd by diitrefs,
Makes fubje£ts happy, and himfcif ador'd.'

JE#terNarbas, Euricles, *»^Ifmene. AHfpeaking^kneelifig.

Hail ! and be ever blefs'd, Oh, king ! Oh, queen !
Mer. Rife — and lament no more, ye happy friends

Of virtue and of Heiv'n ! fee, what the gods

Have done — to fhame <ufpicion into faith !

Oh, never let the innocent defpair :

The hand that made can lave ; and beft knows when.

[To Eumenes.

* Son of Alcides ! for what heart, but his,

Nourilh'd in mifery ! by wants obftrudted !

Ere fprung, like thine, at youth's firft ihoot to glory,
Trod on a tyrant, and redecm'd a people ?

Eum, ?Tis but the low, the lait, the lighted duty
Of a king's hand to dare. 'Tis his to fave j
To think, to hear, to labour, to difcern,

To form, to remedy, to be but one ;

Yet a£l, and love, and fear, and fee!, for all.

• — Oh, Madam, I am your?, midft all thefe claims.
Be thofe my glory's, this my duty's care,
To add my royal father's love to mine :
And, with a doubled reverence, feek your com fort.
— Narbas ! what power can language lend my love,
To paint the joy, thy fente ot pleaiure gives me ?
Thou fource, and foul, and author of my virtues :
Sufpend we thoughts, thus tender. — Let us now
Summon Mycene's chiefs, aad calm her people.

[To Me rope.
Cone,

M E R O P E. 49

Come, Madam ! he who reigns, but climbs to care ;
Tho* fafe his throne, he finds no foftnefs there.
Dangers, and doubts, and toils, each moment feize,
Hang on his bufinefs, and perplex his eafe.
Bright but by pomp of woe, kings fhine in vain ;
Envy'd for anguifli, and adorn'd for pain. [Exeunt*

END of the FIFTH ACT.

f-"

* (j *

E P I.

EPILOGUE.

TMglad with all my heart, Pvefcap'dmy wedding—-

Glad ! cry the maids .?— Heaven keep fueb joy from-

fpreading !
Marriage (poor things !) don't move their hearts fo coldly.

9Tis a dark leap, they own — but love jumps boldly.

Fair fall th' aii-jent'rers ; I'm no hujband- hater.
Only, be warn* d by me, and wed no traitor*
Pain-hunting murm'rer ! born ts growl and grumble ;

No king can pleafe him, and no wife can humble ;

Sick to the. foul, be Hcav'n hiskind phyfician !
E-artJfs ablcjl drugs are lojl upon ambition,
AH Hrarwick-lane falls Jhort : — and, to ?ny knowledge ,
No cure is hop'd for, in our female college.

Shun plotting heads, dear ladies ! — All mifcarries,
Wrbcn one, who hums and haws at midnight, marries.
Better, plain downright dunce, — No dream purfuing :
One that means bluntly-— and knoivs what he's doing f
Net him, whofc factious mind, outfoaring pleafurey
Is ^ ill mojl bu(yt when his wife's at leifure.

Better, afportfman, found of wind, and hearty. —
Better, Sir Sot — thanfpoufc dry dr unk with par iy ;
A hunting hufoand hallows— and you hear him. —
A drunken deary ftaggers — andyoitjlccr him. —
Each, confcious of his w/fe, takes care to ?nakc her,
One way or other — an indulged partaker.

Butyourfage, Jaturnine, ambitious lover,
Keeps no one fecrct, woman wou'd ilij cover.
Stranger at home, he Jlrolls abroad, for blefjlng :
And holds nvhatc'er he has not -worth pojjcjjing.
Freedom, and mirth, and health, and joy, — defpifes !
Andfcorns all reft — he, foprofounclly ivife is !
At length, thank Heaven ! he dies : kind vapours ft r ike him^
And leaves behind, — ten thoufaiul madmen, like him*

BARBAK O^ S A

II

£ E L L'S EDITION.

BARBAROSSA.

A TRAGEDY.
As written ly the Rev. Dr. BROJFN.

DISTINGUISHING ALSO THE

VARIATIONS OF THE THEATRE,

AS ?ERFORMED AT THE

Ubeatrc*Rcpal m CotJcnt^actrett.

Regulated from the Prompt-Book,

By PERMISSION of the MANAGERS,

B> Mr. WILD, Promoter.

LONDON^
Printed for JOHN BELL, near Exeter-Excbarge, in the Strand.

MDCCLXXVIZi

[ 3 "]

ADVERTISEMENT.

«•* ^IT^RAGEDY, as it was anciently compofecl, hath
44 J[ been ever held the graveft, moraleft, and moil
44 profitable of all other poems. Hence philofophers,
and other graveft writers, as Cicero, Plutarch, and
others, frequently cite out of trag c poets, both to
adorn and iliuftrate their difcourfe. The Apoftle Paul
him felt" thought it not unworthy to iniert a verfe of a

Greek poet into the text of holy fcripture. Here-

*' tofore, men in higheft dignity have laboured, not a
** little, to be thought able to com pole a tragedy. Of
*' that honour Dionylius the Elder was no lefs ambitious,
i4 than before, of his attaining to the tyranny. Auguihis
*' Caefar, alfo, had begun his Ajax, but unable to pleale
•4 his own judgment, left it unilnifhed. Seneca the phi-
'* lofopher, is, by fome, thought the author of thofe tra-
*' gedies, at leaft the bed of them, that go under that
*4 name. Gregory Nazianzen, a father ot the church,
" thought it not unbefeeming the fan6tity of his pcrfon
*' to write a tragedy, which is intit'ed, Chrifl Sutfering.
li This is mentioned, to vindicate tragedy from the final I
** eileem, or rather infamy, which, in the account of
'* many, it undergoes at this day."

So far the great Milton: who ftreirgthened thefe ex
amples by his own. The Author hath nothing more to
add, fave only, that he hath aimed to write this piece, in
its eflential parts, according to the model of ancient tra
gedy, fo far as modern ideas and manners would permit.
And he is fo gratefully feniible of that favourable recep
tion it hath met with from the public, that in every fu
ture attempt, he will alluredly labour to merit their far
ther regards, by keeping in his eye the fame great ori
ginals.

A 2 PRO-

P R O L O G U K.

Written by Mr. GAR RICK, and fpoken by him in the
character of a Country Boy.

Mcaficr! Meajlcr !

jS net my meafier here among you, pray?

Nfty, fpeak — my meafter ivrote this fine new play

The after -folks are making fucb a clatter !

^fhcy want the pro -log — I know nought o* tV matter !

lie muji be there among you — look about

.// -ivcezen, palc-fac*d man, do — 'find him out

Pray, mcajier^ come — or all ivill fall to fyeamc

Call Mijlcr — hold — / muft not tell his ncame.

Lavj ! ivbat a crowd is here ! <vohat noife find pother !

Fine lads and lajjcs ! one oj top o* t'other. [Pointing ro the

/ caifdfor ever here with wonder geazc ! rows of pit and
. / nfer fa-no church fo full in all my days /-— gallery.

Tour fervunt, Surs ! — IVliat do you lavgh for ? Kh /
..You donna take me, fure^ for one o* /// play ?

} ,:u j-.oidd not flout an honeft country lad

'!' '-u think me fool, and I think you half mad ;

TciSre all asjlrange as /, and fir anger too ;
,AnJ, if you laugh at me, F II laugh at you, [LrtU^liing.

/ donna ! ike your London tricks, not /;

And, fince you've raised my blood, V II tell you wty?

And if you ivull, fince now I am before yc,

lor ivant of pro -log, PU relate my fiory.
I came from country here te try my fate,

And get a place among the rich and great ;

P>in troth Pm Jick o1 ttf jonrney I ha' /«%;?,

I like it net would I were ivboame again.

Firjl, in the city 1 took up my Jlation,

/.nd get a place -nvV/' one of tb' corporation,

A round li« man — he eat a plagiiy deal,

£iwl°s '. he'd ha-fe beat fiveploomen at a meal!

fitit long TV//.6 him J could not male abode, .

For, could you think'' t ! — He cat a great fea-toad !

It came from Indies 'i^vas as big as me,

He calFd it belly patch) and capapee :

Law !

[ t 1

! bow I Jtar'd ! — 7 thought<~*uvbo knows t lut It.
For want of monfterst may be made a pye ?
Rather than tarty here for bribe or gfiiu,
Pll back to wboawe, and country fare again*
I left Toad-cater ; then Ifarv^d a Ijrd ;
And there they promised!— — — but ne'er kept their wordy,
While *mong the great, this ge anting work the trade is,
'They mind uo more poor Jervants than their ladies*
A lady next, who lilC d a fmart young lad,

Hir'dmc forthwith but, troth, 1 thought her mad*

She turned the world top down, as I may fay,
She changed the day to nect, the ncet to day !
I flood one day with coach, and did but (loop
To put the foot-board down, and -with h*r hoop

the covered me all 0V; —where are you, lout ?

Here, Maam, fays I, for Heaven s fake let me out.

I was fo Jheam d with all her freak'JJy tyays, . "^

She wore her gear fo Jhort, fo /ow her ft ays >

Fine folks jhcw a.U for nothing now-a-days ! J

Now Pm the poefs man • • I find with wits^

There's nothing far tain JV<ry, we eat by fin.

Our meals, indeed, are flcnder what of thai ?

There are but three on's— • —meafter, I, and cat.

Did you but fee us all, as V,n a finner^

Yoifd fcarccly fay which of the three is thinner.

My wages all depend on th:s night's piece,
But Jhould you find that all our /wans are geefc /
FSfeck, Vll trujl no more to ?neaftcr'>s brain,

II ut pack up all, and whijlk whoame again*

D R A-

DRAMATIS PERSONS.
M E N.

Covent- Garden.

BarlarnJJh, Mr. Benfley.

Achmet, Mr. Savigny.

Otbman> - Mr. Clarke.

5W/, Mr. Hull.

.Aladin, Mr. Gardner.

Officer, Mr. Fox.

Mr. Bates.

WOMEN.

ira, - - Mrs. Yates,

- - Mifs Miller.

Mifs Pearce.

Officers, Attendants, and Slaves.

SCENE, the Royal Palace of ALGIERS,

TIME, A few hours about midnight*

B A R«

[ 7

BARBAROSSA.

'The lines dtftingulflied by inverted comas, ' thus,'' are omitted in the
Representation, and tkoje printed in Italics are the additions of
the 'theatre.

ACT I.

Enter Othman and a Slave.

OTHMAN.

A Stranger, fayft thou, that enquires of Othman ?
Slave. He does ; and waits admittance.
Otb. Did he teU^

His name and quality ?
Slave. That he declin'd :

But calPd himfelf thy friend.

« Oth. Where didit thou fee him ?

' Slave. Ev'n now, while twilight clos'd the day, I

Mufmg amid the ruins of yon tow'r Upy'd him

That overhangs the flood. On my approach,

With afpe6t irern, and words of import dark,

He queirion'd me of Othman. Then the tear

Stole from his eye. But when I talk'd of pow'r

And courtly honours here conferr'd on thee,

His frown grew darker: All I wifh, hecry'd,

Is to confer with him, and then to die.'

Oth. What may this mean ?< Conduct the Granger

tome. [Ex it Slave*

Perhaps fome worthy citizen, return'd

From voluntary exile to Algiers,

Once known in happier days.

Enter Sadi.

Ah, Sadi here !

My honoured friend \

Sadit Stand off— pollute me not.

Thefe

BARBAROSSA.

Thefe honeft arms, tho' worn with want, difdain
Thy gorgeous trappings, earn'd by foul difhonour.

Otb. Forbear thy ram reproaches : for, beneath
This habit, which, to thy miftaken eye,
Confirms my guilt, I wear a heart as true
As Sadi's to my king.

&?/#. Why then beneath
This curled roof, this black ufurper's palace,
Dar'ft thou to draw infected air, and live
The (lave of infolence ? < Why lick the dull
' Beneath his feet, who laid Algiers in ruin ?
4 But age, which fliould have taught thee honeft caution,

* Has taught thte treachery.

* Otb. Miftaken man !

4 Could paflion prompt me to licentious fpeech

* Like thine — —

* Sadi. Peace, falfe one, peace ! The {lave to pow'r

*' Still wears a pliant tongue.' Oh, fhame, to dwell

With murder, lull, and rapine ! Did he not

Come from the depths of Barca's foiitude,
With fair pretence of faith and firm alliance ?
Did not our grateful king, with open arms,
Receive him as his gueft ? Oh, fatal hour!
Did he not then, with hot, adult'rous eye,
Gaze on the queen Zaphira ? Yes, 'twas lull,
Lull gave th* infernal whifper to his foul,
And bade him murder, if he would enjoy.
4 Oh, complicated horrors ! hell-born treach'ry !

* Then fell our country, when good Selim dy'd I*
Yet thou, pernicious traitor, unabafh'd,

Canft wear the murd'rer's badge.
Otb. Miftaken man !

* Yet hear me, Sadi

* Sadi. What can diflionour plead ?
. * Otb. Yet blame not prudence.

* Sadi. Prudence! the ftale pretence of ev*ry knave !

* The traitor's ready mafk !'
Otb. Yet flill I love thee :

Still, unprovok'd by thy intemperate zeal.
Could pajjion prompt me to licentious Jtescb,

Bethink thee might not I reproach thy flight

With the foul names of fear or perfidy ?

Didfc

BARBAROSSA. 9

Di.lft thou not fly, when Barbarofia's fword
Reek'd with the blood of thy brave countrymen ?

What then did I ! Beneath this hated roof,

In pity to my widow'd queen —

Sadi. In pity ?

Otb. Yes, Sadi : Heav'n is witnefs, pity fway'd me.

' Sadi. Words, words ! Diffimulation all, and guilt !'

Otb. With honeft guile I did inroll my name
In the black lift of Barbaroila's friends ;
In hope that fome propitious hour might rife,
When Heav'n would dalh the murd'rer from his throne,
And give young Selim to his orphan Jd people.

Sadi. Indeed ! Can it thou be true ?

Otb. By Heav'n, I am.

Sadi. Why then diflemble thus ?

Otb. Have I not told thee ?
I held it vain to Item the tyrant's pow'r,
By the weak efforts of an ill-tim'drage.

Sadi. ' Enough :' I find thee honerl ; and with pride
Will join thy counfels. ' This, my faithful arm,
' Walled with milery, (hall gain new nerves
* For brave refolves.' Can aught, my friend, be done ?
Can aught be dar'd ?

Otb. We groan beneath the fcourge.
This very morn, on fa lie pretence of vengeance,
For the foul murder of our honour'd king,
Five guiltlefs wretches periuYd on the rack.

Our long-lov'd friends, and braved citizens,

Self-baniih'd to the delert, mourn in exile :

While the fell tyrant lords it o'er a crew

Oi abjedl lycophants, the needy tools

Of pow'r ufurp'd ; and a dcgcn'rate train

Of Haves in arms.'

SaJl. Oh, my devoted country !

But lay, the widow'd queen — my heart bleeds for her.

Otb. If pain be life, flie lives ; ' bur in luchvvoe,
' As want and flavcry might view with pity,
4 Andblefs their happier lot.' I leaim'd round by terrors,
Within this cruel palace, once the feat
Of ev'ry joy, thru' fev'n long tedious years,
She mourns her murdcr'd lord, herexil'd foil,
Her people fali'n : the murd'rer of her lord,

Returning

*o B A R B A R O S S A.

Returning now from conquefto'er the Moors,

Tempts her to marriage ; ' fpurr'd at once by lull,

' And black ambition.1 But with noble firmnefs,

Surpaffing female, (lie rejects his vows,

Scorning the horrid union. Meantime, he,

With ceafelefs hate, her exil'd ion purities ;

* And Oh, deteited monfter ! \Hc <avY^/.

4 Sadi. Yet more deeds

« Of cruelty ! Juft Heav'n !
4 Otb. His rage purfues*

The virtuous youth, ev'n into foreign climes.

Ere this, perhaps, he bleeds. A murd'ring ruffian

Is lent to watch his ilcps, and plunge the dagger

Into his guiltlefs breail.
SaJi. Is this thy faith,

Tamely to witneis to fuch deeds of horror ?

Give me thy poignard ; lead me to the tyrant,

What tho' furrounding guards
Otb. Reprefs thy rage,

Thou wilt alarm the palace ; wilt involve

Thyfelf, thy friend, in ruin. Halle thee hence ;

Halle to the remnant of our loyal friends,

And let maturer counfels rule thy zeal.

Sadi. Yet let us ne'er forget our prince's wrongs.

Remember, Othman, (and let vengeance rife)
How in the pangs of death, and in his gore
Welt'ring, we found our prince ! ' The deadly dagger
4 Deep in his heart was fix'd !' His royal blood,
The life-blood of his people, o'er the bath
Ran purple. Oh, remember, and revenge !

Otb. Doubt not my zeal, But halte, and feek our
Near to the weltern port Almanzor dwells, [friends.

Yet unfeduc'd by BaibarofTa's pow'r.
He will difclofe to thee, if aught be heard
Of Seiim's fafety, or (what more I drend)
Of Seiim's death. Thence bell may our refclves
Be drawn hereafter. But let caution guide thee.
*, For in thefe walks, where tvranny and guilt

* Ufurp the throne, wakeful iufpicion dwells,

* And Iquint-ey'd jealoufy, prone to pervert

* Ev'n looks and fmilcs to treafon.*
Sadi. I obey thee.

Near to the weflern port, thou fay'ft.

B A R B A R O S S A. it

Otb. Ev'n there,

Clofe by the blafted palm-tree, where the mofque
Overlooks the city. Hatfe thce hence, my friend :
I would not have thee found within thefe walls. [Ffatrifi*
And hark ! — thefe warlike founds proclaim th' approach
Of the proud Barbarofla, with his train.
Begone

6W/. May dire difeafe and peftilence
Hang o'er his fteps ! — Farewel — Remember, Othman,
Thy queen's, thy prince's, and thy country's wrongs.

[Exit Sadi.

Otb. When I forget them, be contempt my lot !
Yet, for the love I bear them, I muft wrap
My deep refentments in the fpecious guife
Of imilet1, and fair deportment.

Enter Barbarofla, guards, &c,

Bar. Valiant Othman,
Are thefe vile Haves impal'd ?

Otb. My Lord, they are.

Bar. Did not the rack extort confeiTion from them ?

Otb. They dy'd obdurate ; while the melting crowd
Wept at their groans and anguifh. [Haves,

Bar. Curfe on their womanim hearts ! * What, pity

* Whom my fupreme decree condemned to torture ?

* Are ye not all my (laves, to whom my nod

* Gives life or death ?

' Otb. To doubt thy will is treafon.

* Bar. I love thee, faithful Othman.' But, why fits
That fad no is on thy brow ? For ott I find thee
Muling and fad ; while joy for my return,
My fword victorious, and the Moors o'erthrown,
Refounds thro' all my palace.

Otb. Mighty warrior,
The foul, intent on offices of love,
Will oft neglect, or fcorn the weaker proof
Which fmiles or fpecch can give.

Bar. Well, be it ib.

To guard Algiers from anarchy's mifrule,
I fway the regui fceptre. 4 Who deferves,

* Shall meet protection ; and who merits not,

' Shall meet my wrath in thunder.'— But 'tis itrange,
That when,, with open arms, I would receive

Young

I* BARB A ROSS A.

Young Selim ; would reftore the crown, which death
Reft from his father's head — He fcorns my bounty,
* Shuns me with fulien and obdurate hate,'
And proudly kindles war in foreign climes,
Againft my povv'r, who fav'd his bleeding country.

• Otb. 'Tis llrange, indeed/

Enter Aladin.

Alad. Brave prince, I bring thee tidings
Of high concernment to Algiers and thte.
Young Selim is no more.

Otb. * Indeed'-— Selim no more !

Bar. < Indeed!' Why that aflonifhment ?

He was our bittereft foe.

Otb. Soperifhall
Thy caufelefs enemies.

Ear. * What fays the rumour !'
How dy'd the prince, and where ?

Alad. The rumour tells,
That flying to Oran, he there begg'cl fuccours
From Ferdinand of Spain, t' invade Algiers.

Bar. From Chriftian dogs ;

Otb. How ! league with infidels !

Alad. And there held counfei with the haughty
To conquer and dethrone thee : but in vain ; [Spaniard,
For in a dark encounter with two fiaves,
Wherein the one fell by his youthful arm,
Selim at length was flam.

Bar. Ungrateful boy !

Oft have I courted him to meet my kindnefs ;
But Hill in vain ; he ihunn'd me like a peililence :
Nor could I e'er behold him, fince the down

Cover'd his manly cheek How many years

Number'dhe?

Otb. I think, fcarce thirteen, when his father dy'd,
And now fome twenty.

Bar. Ochman, now for proof

Of undifiembled fervice Well I know,

Thy long-experienc'd faith hath plac'd thee high
In the queen's confidence. ' The crown I wear

* Yet totters on my head, till marriage-rites

* Have made her mine.' Othman, me muit be won.
Plead thou my caufe of love : ' bid her dry up

A ' Her

B A R B A R O S S A. 13

c Her fruitlefs tears : paint forth her long delays,

* Wake all thy eloquence :' msfee her but mine,
And fuch unfought reward fliall crown thy zeal,
As (hall out-foar thy wiflies.

Oth. Mighty king,
Where duty bids, I go.

Barb. Then hafte thee, Othmnn,
Ere yet the rumour of her ion's deceafe
Hath reach'd her ear ; ' ere yet the mournful talc

* Hath whelm'd her in a new abyfs of woe,

' And quench M all foft arTedion, fave for him.'
Tell her, I come, borne on the wings of love ! —
Hafte — fly — I follow thee. {Exit Othman.

Now, Aladin,

Now fortune bears us to the wifh'd-for port :
' We ride fecure on her moil profp'rous billow.'
This was the rock I dreaded. Doft not think
Th' attempt was greatly daring ?

Aladin. Bold as needful.
What booted it, to cut th' old ferpent oft',
While the young adder netted in his place ?

Earl. True: * we have conquered now.' Algiers is mine,
Without a rival. ' Thus great I mils afpire :
' And boldly fnatch at crowns, beyond the reach
' Of coward confcience.' — Yet I wonder much,
Omar returns not : Omar, whom I lent
On this high truft, I fear, 'tis he hath fallen.
Didft thou not fay, two (laves encountered Selim ?

Aladin. Ay, two : 'tis rumour'd ib.

]>arb. And that one fell ?

* Alailiu. Ev'n fo :' by Selim's hand : while his com-

* Planted his happier fteel in Selim's heart. [panion
Earl). Omar, I fear, is fall'n. From my right-hand

I gave my iignet to the trufty ilave :

And b.ide him fend it, as the certain pledge

Of Selim's death ; if ficknefs or captivity,

Or way ward fate, fhou'd thwart his quick return.

Aladin. The rumour yet is young ; perhaps forerun*
The trufty Have's approach.

Jtarb. We'll wait th' event.

Mean time give out, that now thewidow'd queen
Hath dry'd her tears, prepar'd to crown my love

B By

»4 BARBAROSSA.

By marriage-rites : fpread wide the flatt'ring tale :
For if perfuafion win not her confent,
Pow'r lliall compel.

' Alatlin. It is indeed a thought,
* Which prudence whifpers.

4 Barb. Thou, brave Aladin,
' Haft been the firm companion of my deeds :
4 Soon (hall my friendship's warmth reward thy faith. — *
This night my will devotes to feafl and joy,
For conqueft o'er the Moor. Hence, Aladin :
And fee the night-watch clofe the palace round.

[Exit Aladin.

Now to the queen. My heart expands with hope.
Let high ambition flourifh : in Selim's blood
Its roor is ftruck : from this, the rifing ftem
Proudly fliull branch o'er Afric's continent,
And it retch from Ihore to ihore.

Enter Irene,

My wayward daughter ! {till with folly thwart
Each purpofe of my foul ? When pleafures fpring
Beneath our feet, thou fpurn'it the proffer'd boon,
To dwell with forrow. — Why thefe iu lien tears ?

Irene. ; Let not thefe tears offend my father's eye :'
They are the tears of pity. From the queen
I come, thy fuppliant,

Park. ' On fome rude requeft.'
What wou'dit thou urge ?

Irene. Thy dread return from war,
And proffer'd love, have open'd ev'ry wound
The loft and lenient hand of time had clos'd.
If ever gentle pity touch 'd thy heart,
4 Now let it melt !' Urge not thy « harfh' command
To fee her ! Her diftracled foul is bent
To mourn in folitude. She afks no more.

Bar~b. She mocks my love. How many tedious years
Have I endur'd her coynefs ? Had not war,
And great ambition, call'd me from Algiers,
Ere this, my pow'r had reap'd what fne denies.
But there's a cauie, which touches on my peace,
'And bids me brock no more her falfe delays.

Icnc. Oh, frown not thus ! * Sure, pity ne'er deferv'd
' A parent's frown i Then look more kindly on me.'

But

B A R B A R O S S A. 15

But let thy conferring pity mix with mine,
And heal the woes of weeping majefty !
Unhappy queen !

Earl. What means that guftiing tear ?

Irene. Oh, never fhall Irene taile of peace,
While poor Zaphira mourns 1

Barb. Is this my child?

Perverfe and ftubborn ! As thou lov'ft thy peace.

Dry up thy tears. What ! damp the general triumph
That echoes through Algiers ! which now fhall pierce,
The vaulted heav'n, as foon as fame fhall fpread
Young Selim's death, my empire's bittereft foe.

Irene. Oh, generous Selim ! [IVeeps.

Earl. Ah, there's more in this !
Tell me, Irene : on thy duty, tell me :
4 As thou doft wifh, I wou'd not cart thee off,

* With an incenfed father's curies on thee,

* Now tell me' why, at this deteited na in e ofSt '////•/,
Af refli thy for row ftreams ?

Irene. Yes, I will tell thee,

* For he is gone ! and dreads thy hate no more !'
My father knows, thatfcarce five moons are paft,
Since the Moors feiz'd, and fold me at Oran,

A hopelefs captive in a foreign clime!

Barb. Too well I know, and rue the fatal day.
But what of this ?

Irene. ' Why fhouM I tell, what horrors

* Did then befet my foul ?' — Oft' have I told thee, .
How, 'midft the throng, a youth appear'd : his eye
Bright as the morning ftar !

Earl. And was it Selim ?
Did he redeem thee?

Irene. With tmfparing hand
He paid th' allotted raufom : * and o'erbade

* Av'rice and appetite.' At his feet I wept,
Diffolv'd in tears of gratitude and joy.

But when I told my quality and birth,

He darted at the name of Barbarofa ;

' And thrice turn'd pale.' Yet, with recovery mild, v

Go to Algiers, he cry'd ; protect my mother, *

And be to her, what Selim is to thee.

Ev'n fuch, my father, was the gen'rous youth,

B 2 Who,

16 B A R B A R O S S A.

Who, by the hands of bloody, bloody men,
Lies number'd with the dead.

Earl. Amazement chills me !

Was this thy unknown friend, conceal'd from me ?
Falfe, faithlefs child !

Irene. Cou'd gratitude do Icfs !

He faid thy wrath purfu'd him ; thence conjur'd me,
Not to reveal his name.

Sari, Thou treacherous maid !
To iloop to freedom from thy father's foe !

Irene. Alas, my father !
He never was thy foe.

Bar 1. What ! plead for Selim !
* Away ! He merited the death he found !*
Oh, coward ! Traitrefs to thy father's glory !
Thou (liou'dtl: have liv'd a Have, — been fold to fhame,
Been banim'd to the depth of howling de-farts,
Been aught but what thou art, rather than blot

A father's honour, by a deed fo vile :

Hence, from my light. — Hence, thou unthankful child !
Beware thee ! Shun the queen : nor taint her ear
With Selim's fate. Yes, (lie mall crown my love ;
Or, by our prophet, file fhall dread my pow'r.

[Exit Barbaroiliu

Irene. Unhappy queen !

To what new fcenes of horror art thou doom'd !
Bereft of her lorfd lord, of every joy bereft.
' Oh, cruel father ! Haplef> child ! whom pity

* Compels to call him cruel ! Gen'rous Selim !

* Poor injur'd queen 1' file but intreats to die

In her dear father's tents ! Thither, good queen,
My care (hall fpeed thee, while fufpicion fleeps.
What though my frowning father pour'd his rage
On my defencelefs head ? Yet innocence
Shall yield her firm fupport ; and confcious virtue
Gild all my days. Cou'd I but fave Zaphira,
Let the florin beat. I'll weep and pray, till (lie,
And heav'n forger, my father e'er was cruel,

END of the FIRST ACT.

ACT

BARBAROSSA. 17

ACT II.

Zaphira * and female flaw es* difcovcred.

ZAPHIRA.

WHEN fliall I be at peace ! — Oh, righteous heaven,
Strengthen my fainting foul, which fain wou'd rife
To confidence in thee ! — But woes on woes
O'ervvhelm me ! Firft my hufband ! now, my fon !
Both dead ! both flaughter'd by the bloody hand
Of Barbarotfa ! 4 Sweet content, farewel !

Farewel, fweet hope ! Grief is my portion here !
' Oh, dire ambition ! what infernal pow'r
' Unchnin'd thee from thy native depth of hell,
4 To italk the earth with thy deflru&ive train,
4 Murder and lult! to wafte domeflic peace,
* And ev'ry heart-felt joy !'

Enter Othinan.
Oh, faithful Othman !
Our feais were true ! My Selim is no more \

Otb. Has then the fatal tecret reach'd thine car ?
Inhuman tyrant !

Zapb. Strike him, Heav'n, with thunder!
Nor let Zaphira doubt thy Providence.

Otb. 'Twas what we fear'd. Oppofe not Heav'n 's

high will,

Nor druggie with the ten-fold chain of fate,
That links thee to thy woes ! Oh, rather yield,
And \vait the happier hour, when innocence
Sintll weep no more. Retl in that ple.nlinsj hope,
And yield thyfelf to heav'n. — My honour'
The king

Whom ili 1'il: thou king ?

Otb. 'Tis Barbarofla.
He means to fee thee -

4 Zupb. Curies blaft the tyrant !*
Does he ailiime the name of king ?

Oth. He does.

Zapb. Oh, title vilely purchased ! by the blood
Ot innocence ! By treachery and murder !
May Heav'n incens'd pour down its vengeance on him ;
B 3

i3 BARBAROSSA.

Blaft all his joys, and turn them into horror;

Till phrenzy rife, and bid him curie the hour

That gave his crimes their birth ! My faithful Othman,

My fole furvivmg prop ! Can ft thou devife

No fecret means, by which I may efcape"

This hated palace ! with undaunted ftejj

I'd roam the waite, to reach my father's vales

Of dear Mutija ! — Can no means be found,

To fly thefe black'ning horrors that furround me ?

Otb. That hope is vain ! The tyrant knows thy hate.
Hence, day and night, his ' watchful* guards furround thee,
* Impenetrable as walls of Adamant.
' Curb then thy mighty griefs : juftice and truth •

' He mocks as fhadows :' roufe not then his anger :
J.et loft perfuaiion and mild eloquence,
Redeem that liberty, which ftern rebuke
Wou'd rob thce ot for ever.

Zapb. Cruel talk!

4 For royalty to bow,* — an injur'd queen
To kneel for liberty ! And, Oh, to whom \

Ev'n to the murd'rer of her lord and fon !
Oh, perifli firft, Zaphira ! Yes, I'll die !
For what is life to me ! My dear, dear lord \

My haplefs child ! Yes, I will follow you.
'Ot/j. Wilt thou not fee him, then ?
Zapb. I will not, Othman.

Or if I do, with bitter imprecation,

More keen than poifon (hot from ferpents tongues.

I'll pour my curies on him i
Otb. Will Zaphira

Thus meanly fink in woman's fruitlefs nige,

When flie mould wake revenge ?
Zapb. Revenger — Oh, tell me —

Tell me but how ! what can a helplefs woman !

Otb. Gain but the tyrant's leave, and reach thy father :

Pour thy complaints before him : let thy wrongs

Kindle his indignation, to purfue

This vile ufurper, till uncealing war

Blaft his ill-gotten pow'r.

Zapb. Ah !— fay'ft thou, Othman ?

Thy words have fhot like lightning through my frame;

And all my foul's on fire ! — Thou faithful friend !

B A R B A R O S S A. 19

Yes, with more gentle fpeech I'll footh his pride ;
Regain my freedom ! reach my father's tents ;
There paint my con n tlel's woes. His kindling rage
Shall wake the rallies into honed vengeance :
The fudden ftorm (hall pour on Barbaroflli,
And ev'ry glowing warrior fteep his ihatt
In deadlier poifon, to revenge my wrong?.

Otb. There fpoke the queen. But as thou lov'ft thy

freedom,

Touch not on Selim's death. Thy foul will kindle,
And palrijn mount in flames that will confume thee.

Zapb. My murder'd fon ! yes, to revenge thy death,
I'll fpeak a language which my heart difduins.

Otb. Peace, peace ! The tyrant comes : Now, injur'd

queen,

Plead for thy freedom, hope for juft revenge,
And check each riling paffion ! [Exit Othman.

Knfer Barbarofft.
Barl. Hail, fov'reign fair ! * Thrice honoured queen I*

in whom

Beauty and majelty confpire to charm !
Behold the conqu'ror, ' whofe deciding voice
4 Can fpeak the fate of kingdoms, at thy feet
* Lies' conquer'd by thy pow'r !

Zapb. Oh, Barbaroila!

No more the pride of conqu eft e'er can chnrin
My widow'd heart ! With my departed lord
My love lies bury'd ! ' I mould meet thy flame
' With fullen tears, and cold indifference.'
Then turn thee to fome happier fair, whofe heart
May crown thy growing love, with love fincere ',
For I have none to give !

Barb. Love ne'er fhou'd die :
*Tis the foul's cordial : 'tis the fount of life ;
Therefore fhou'd fpring eternal in the bread.
One object loft, another ihou'd fucceed,
And all our life be love.

Zapb. Urge me no more : — Thou might'fl with equal
Woo the cold marble weeping o'er a tomb, [hope

To meet thy wifhes ! But if gen'rous love
Dwell in thy brcaft, vouchfaFe me proof iincere :

Give

20 B A R B A R O S S A.

Give me fafe convoy to my native vales
Of dear Mutija, where my father reigns.

Barb. Oh, blind to protFer'd blifs ? what, fondly quit
This ' lofty palace, anJ theenvy'd' pomp
Of empire, for an Arab's * wand'ring' tent !
Where the mock chieftain leads his vagrant tribes
From plain to plain, ' as thiril or famine fways :
' Obfcurely vain !' and faintly fhadows out
The majefly of kings ! — Far other joys
Here fhall attend thy call : ' the winged bark

* For thee lhall traverfe feas ; and ev'ry clime
6 Be tributary to Zaphira's charms »

* To thee, exalted fair,' fubmiflive realms

Shall bow the neck ; and fwarthy kings and queens,
From the far-diftant Niger and the Nile,
.Drawn captive at my conqu'ring chariot -wheels^
Shall kneel before thee.

Zapb. Pomp and pow'r are toys,
Which ev'n the mind at eafe may well difdain r
But, ah, what mockery is the tinfel pride
Of fplendor, when * by wafting woes,' the mind
Lies defolate within ! — Such, fuch, is mine !
O'erwhelm'd with ills, and dead to every joy :
Envy me not this laft requeft, to die
In my dear father's tents !

Barb. Thy fuit is vain •

Zaph. Thus kneeling at thy feet— I do befeccb tbec—
Barb. Thou thanklefs fair !
Thus to repay the labours of my love 1
Had I not leiz'd the throne when Selim dy'd,
Ere this, thy foes had laid Algiers in ruin :
I check'd the warring pow'rs, and gave you peace.

4 Zaph. Peace doft thou call it ! what can worfe be

fear'd

From the war's- rage, than violence and blood ?
Have not unceaiing horrors mark'd thy reign ?
Through feven long years, thy flaughtYmg fvvord hnth
With guiltlefs blood. [reek'd

« Barb. With guiltlefs blood ?— Take heed

Roufe not my flumb'ring rage : ncr vindicate
Thy country's guilt and treaibn.

> * Zapb. Where violence reigns, there innocenceis guilr,

'' And

BARBAROSSA. 21

1 And virtue, treafon.— Know, Zaphira fcorns

' Thy menace. — Yes, thy flaught'ring fvvord hath reek'J

' With guiltlefs blood. Through thee, exile and death

* Have thinn'd Algiers. Is this thy boalted peace ?
4 So might the tiger boaft the peace he brings,

* When he o'erleaps by ftealth, and vvaftes the fold.

' Barb. Ungrateful queen ! I'll give thee proof of love,

* Beyond thy lex's pride !' Make thee but mine,
I will defcend the throne, and call thy fon
From baniihment to empire.

Zaph. Oh, my heart !
Can I bear this ! —

Inhuman tyrant ! Curfes on thy head !
May dire remorfeand anguifli haunt thy throne,
And gender in thy bofom fell defpair !
Defpair as deep as mine !

Earl. What means Zaphira ?
What means this burftof grief?

Zapb. Thou fell deftroyer !

Had not guilt iteel'd thy heart, awak'ning confcience
Wou'd flafh conviclion on thee, and each look,
Shot from thefe eyes, bearm'd with ferpent-horrors,
To turn thee into ftone ! — Relentlefs man !
Who did the bloody deed ? Oh, tremble, guilt,
Where'er thou art ! — Look on me ! — Tell me, tyrant,
Who Hew my blamelefs fon?

Barb. What envious tongue,

* My foe,' hath dar'd to taint my name with flander ?

* This is the rumour of Ibme coz'ning Have,

* Who thwarts my peace. Believe it not, Zaphira,*
Thy Selim lives : nay, more, he ibon (hall reign,

If rhou confent to blefs me.

Zapb. Never! Oh, never — Sooner wou'd I roam
An unknown exile through the torrid climes
Of Afric ; fooner dwell with wolves and tygers,
Than mount with thee my uunder'd Selim's throne !

Barb. Rafh queen, forbear; think on chy captive-ilate :
Remember, that within thefe palace-walls,
I am omnipotent : ' That every knee
4 Bends at my dread approach :' that fliameaud honour,
Reward and punifliment, await my nod,
The vaflals of my pleafure.— Yield thee then :

Avert

22 BARBAROSSA.

Avert the gathering horrors that furround thee,
And dread my pow'r incens'd.

Zaph. Dares thy licentious tongue pollute mine ear
With that foul menace ? — Tyrant ! dread'ft thou not
TV all feeing eye of Heav'n, its lifted thunder,
And all the red'uing vengeance which it ftores
For crimes like thine ? Yet know, Zaphira fcorns thee.
Though robb'd by thee of ev'ry dear fupport ;
No tyrant's threat can awe the free born foul,
That greatly dares to die. [Exit Zaphira.

Earl. Where ihould fhe learn the tale of Selim's death !
Cou'd Othman dare to tell it ? If he did,
My rage fhall fweep him, fwifter than the whirlwind,
To intrant death ! — c Curfe on her fteadinefs !

* She lords it o'er my heart. There is a charm
4 Of majefty in virtue, that difarms

* Reluctant pow'r, and bends the flruggling will
4 From her molt firm refolve.'

Enter Aladin.

Aladin. Oh, Aladin !

Timely thou com'fr, to eafe my lab'ring thought,
That iwells with indignation and defpair.
This ftubborn woman —

Aladin. What, unconquer'd (till ?

Barb. The news of Selim's fate hath reach'd her ear.
Whence could this come ?

Aladin. I can refolve thy doubt.
A female {lave, attendant on Zaphira,
O'erheard the mtflenger who brought the tale,
And gave it to her ear.

Barb. Perdition ieize her !
Nor threat can move, nor promife now allure
Her haughty foul : nay, (he defies my pow'r :
And talks of death, as if her female form
Infhrin'd fome hero's fpirit.

Aladin. Let her rage foam.
I bring thee tidings that will eafe thy pain.

Barb. Say'fl thou?— Speak on — Oh, give me quick
relief! —

Aladin. The gallant youth is come, who flew her fon.

Barb. Who ? Omar !

Aladin. No ; unhappy Omar fell

By

B A R B A R O S S A. 23

By Selim's hand. But Achmet, whom he join'd
His brave r.flbciate, fo the youth bids tell thee,
Reveng'd his death by Selim's.

Barb. Gallant youth !
Bears he the fignet ?

Ala Jin. Ay.

Barb. That fpeaks him true. Conduct him, Aladin*

[Exit Aladin.

This is beyond my hope. The fecret pledge
Reftor'd, prevents fufpicion of the deed,
While it confirms it done.

Enter Achmet «nd Aladin.

Acb* Hail, mighty BarbaroiTa ! As the pledge

[Kneels.

Of Selim's death, behold thy ring reftor'd :
That pledge will fpeak the reil.

Bar. Rife, valiant youth !
But firft, no more a Have — I give thee freedom.
Thou art the youth whom Omar (now no more)
Join'd his companion in this brave attempt?

Acb. I am.

Barb. Then tell me how you fped. — Where found yc
That infolent ?

Acb. We found him at Oran,
Plotting deep miichiefs to thy throne and people.

Barb. Well ye repaid the traitor. —

Acb. As we ought.

While night drew on, we leapt upon our prey.
Full at his heart brave Omar aim'd the poignard,
Which Selim fliunning, wrench'd it from his hand,
Then plung'd it in his breaft. I hailed on,
Too late to fave, yet I reveng'd my friend :
My thirily dagger, with repeated blows,
Search'd ev'ry artery : they fell together,
Gafpingin folds of mortal enmity ;
And thus in frowns expir'd.

Barl. Well haft thou fped.
Thy dagger did its office, faithful Achmet ;
And high reward (hall wait thee. -One thing more-
Be the thought fortunate ! — Go, feek the queen.
For know the rumour of her Selim's death
Hath rcach'd her ear : hence dark fufpicions rife,

Glancing

24 BARBAROSSA.

Glancing at me. Go, tell her, that thou faw'ft
Her ion expire ; that with his dying breath,
He did conjure her to receive my vows,

And give her country peace. * That, {lire-will lull

' Suspicion. Aladin, that fure will win her.

» Aladin. 'Tis wifely thought. — It muft.'
Enter Othman.

Barb. Moil welcome, Othman.
Behold this gallant Granger. He hath done
The {late good fervice. Let fome high reward
Await him, fuch as may o'erpay his zeal.
Conduct him to the queen ; for he hath news
Worthy her ear, from her departed ion ;
Such as may win her love — Come, Aladin :
The banquet waits our prefence : feftal joy
Laughs in the mantling goblet ; and the night,
Illumin'd by the taper's dazzling beam,
Rivals departed day. [Exeunt Barb, and Alad.

Acb. What anxious thought

Rowls in thine eye, and heaves thy lab' ring breaft ?
Why join'il thou not the loud exceis of joy,
That riots through the palace ?

Gib. Dar'ft thou tell me,
On what dark errand thou art here ?

Acbmet. I dare.

Doit thou not perceive the ftvage lines of blood
Deform my vitage ? Read'it not in mine eye
Remorfelefs fury ?— -I am Selim's muru'rer.

Otb. Selim's murd'rer !

Acb. Start not from me.
My dagger thirlfo not but for regal blood.
Why this amazement?

Otb. Amazement ? — No— 'Tis well : — 'tis as it mould
He was indeed a foe to Barbaroila. [be. —

Acb. And therefore to Algiers :---Was it not fo ?---
Why doft thou paufe ? What pailion iliakes thy frame ?

Otb. Fate, do thy worit !---! can no more diilemble !
Can I unmov'd behold the murd'ring rufiian,
Smear'd with my prince's blood !— Go, tell the tyrant,-
Othman defies his pow'r ; that, tir'dwith life,
He dares his bloody hand, and pleads to die.

Acb, What, didit thou love thisSeiim?

Otbman*

BARBAROSSA. 5;

Otbman. All men lov'd him.
He was of fuch unmix'd and blamelefs quality,
That envy, at his pnrife Hood mute, nor dar'd
To fully his fair name ! Remorfelefs tyrant !

Ach. I do commend thy faith. And fince thou lov'ft
I'llwhifperto thee, that with honeft guile [him

I have deceived this tyrant Barbarofla ;
Selim is yet alive.

Otbman. Alive !

Acb. Nay, more
Selim is in Algiers.

Othman. Impoffible !

Acb. Nay, if thou doubt'ft, I'll bring him hither,

Otbman. Not for an empire ! [ftraight.

Thou might'ft as well bring the devoted lamb
Into the tyger's den.

Acb* l Nay,' but I'll bring him
Hid in fuch deep tfifguife, as ihall deride
Sufpicion, though (he wear the Lynx's eye :
Not ev'n thyfelf couldft know him.

Otbman. Yes, fare ; too fure, to hazard fuch an awful
Trial !

Acb. Yet feveii revolving years, worn out
In tedious exile, inr.y have wrought fuch change
Of voice and feature, in the fbite of youth,
As might elude thine eye.

Othman, No time can blot
The metn'ry of his fweet majeftic mien,
The luftre of his eye ! Belides, he wear*
A mark indelible, a beauteous fear,
Made on his forehead by a furious pard,
Which, rufliing on his mother, Selim lie w.

Acb. A fear !

Qtbman. Ay, on his forehead.

Ach. What, like this ? {Lifting bis turban.

Otbman. Whom do I fee ! — am I awake !— my prince !
My honour'd, honoured king ! [Kruek*

Selim. Rile, faithful Othman,
Thus let me thank thy truth !

Otbman, Oha happy hour !
C

26 BARBAROSSA.

Selim. Why doll thou tremble thus ? Why grafp my

hand ?
And why that ardent gaze ? Thou canft not doubt me ?

Otbman. Ah, no ! I fee thy fire in ev'ry line.

How did my prince efcape the murd'rer's hand ?

Selim. I wrench 'd the dagger from him ; and gave back
That death he meant to bring. The ruffian wore

The tyrant's iignet : Take this ring, he cry'd,

The fole return my dying hand can make tbee

For its accurs'd attempt : this pledge reitor'd,

Will prove thee (lain : 4 fare may'it thou fee Algiers,

* Unknown to all.'— -This laid, th' affaffin dy'd.
Otbman. But how to gain admittance, thus unknown ?
Selim* DifguisM as Selim's murderer I come :

Th' accomplice of the deed : the ring reitor'd,
Gain'd credence to my words,

Otbman. Yet ere thou cam'il, thy death was rumour'd
here.

Sdlm. I fpread the flatt'ring tale, and fent it hither ;

* Thar babbling rumour, like a lying dream,

' Might make belief more eaiy.' 'fell me, Othman,
And yet I tr.mble to approach the theme,—
How fares my mother ? Does me ftill retain
Her native.greatnefs ?

Otbman. Still : in vain the tyrant
Tempts her to marriage, though with impious threats
Of death or violation.

Selim. May kind heav'n

Strengthen her virtue, and by me reward it 1
When (hall I fee her, Othman ?

Otbman. Yet, my prince,
I tremble for thy prcfence.

Selim, Let not fear
Sully thy virtue : 'tis the lot of guilt
To tremble. What hath innocence to do with fear ?

* Otbman, Yet think — fhould Barbarofla —

* St'lim. Dread him not -

Thou know'it, by his command, I fee Zaphira.

* And wrapt in this difguife, I walk fecure,

4 As if from heav'n fome guardian pow'r attending,
' Threw ten-fold night around me«'

Othmeint

B A R B A R O S S A. 27

Oilman. Still my heart
Forbodes Tome dire event ! — Ob, quit thefe walls !

Sclim. Not till a deed be done, which ev'ry tyrant
Shall tremble when he hears.

Oilman. What means my prince ?
Sclim. To take j uft vengeance fora father's blood,
A mother's Cuff 'rings, and a people's groan.

Qtlman. Alas, my prince ! Thy fmgle arm is weak
To combat multitudes !

Sclim. Therefore I come.

Clad in this murd'rer's guife---Ere morning {hines,
This, Othman— this— ihall drink the tyrant's blood.

[Shews a dav^cr.

Oilman. Heav'n (hield thy * precious' life—Let cau-
Thy ' headlong' zeal ! [tion rule

Sellm. Nay, think not that T come
Blindly impell'd by fury or defpair:
For I have leen our friends, and parted now
From Sadi and Aluvan/.or.
Oilman. Say— what hope ?

My foul is all attention.

Selim. Mark me, then.
A chofenband of citizens this night
Will ftorm the palace ; while the glutted troops
Lie drench'd in furfeit ; the confederate city,
Bold through defpair, have hvorn to break their chain
By one wide (laughter. I, meantime, have gain'a
The palace, and will wait ill' appointed hour,
To guard Zaphira from the tyrant'** rage,
Amid' the deathful uproar.
Oto. Heav'n protect thee—

»Tis dreadful What's the hour !

Sclim. I let't our friends
In fecret council. Ere the dead of night
B»ave Sadi will report their laft refblves.—

Now lead me to the queen.

Otbman. Brave prince, beware !
Her joy's or fear's excefs, vvou'd fure betray thee.
Thou {halt not fee her, till the tyrant periQi !

Sclim. I rnuft.— -I feel fome fecret impulfe urge me.
Who knows that 'tis not the laft parting interview,
We ever (hall obtain ?

C 3 Oilman*

28 B A R B A R O S S A.

Otbman. Then, on thy life,
Do not reveal thyfelf,---Alfume the name
Of Selim's friend ; fent to confirm her virtue,
And warn her that he lives.

Sel'utt. It frail be fo : 1 yield me to thy will.

Otbman. Thou greatly daring youth ! May angels

watch,

And guard thy upright purpofe ! That Algiers
May reap the blefllnge of thy virtuous reign.
And all thy godlike father thine in thee !

Sclim. Oh, thou haft rouz'd a thought, on which re
venge

Mount* with redoubled fire !-— Yes, here, ev'n here,- —
Beneath this very roof, my honour'd father
Shed round his bleflings, till accurfed treach'ry
btole on his peaceful hour ! Oh, bleiied (hade !
If yet thou hover'ft o'er thy once-lov'd clime,
Now aid me to redrefs thy Weeding wrongs !
Infufe thy mighty fpirit into my bread,
4 Thy firm and dauntleis fortitude, unaw'd
* By peril, pain, or death I* that undifmay'd,
I may purtue the juft intent ; and dare
Or bravely to revenge, or bravely die. [Exeunt.

END of the SECOIND ACT.

ACT III.

Enter Irene.

CAN air-drawn vifions mock the waking eye ?
Sure 'twas his image !—* Yet, his p re fence here-*
After full rumour had confirm'd him dead !
Beneath this hoflile root to court deitruction !
It ftaggcrs all belief! Silent hefhot
Athwart my view, amid' the glimmering lamps,
With fwift and ghofl-like ilep, that feem'd to fliun
All human converfe.' This way, fure he movM.
But, Oh, how chang'd ! He wears no gentle fmilcs,
But terror in his frown. He comes. — 'Tis he: --
For Otbman points him hither, and departs.
Difguis'd, he leeks the Queen : fee u re, ptrkapg,

And

BARBAROSSA. 29

And heedlefs of the ruin that furroimds him.
Oh, generous Selim ! can I fee thee thus ;
And not forewarn fuch virtue of its fate !
Forbid it gratitude !

Enter Selim.
Selim. Be flill, ye fighs !
Ye flruggling tears of filial love, be flill.
Down, down fond heart !

Irene. Why, flranger, doll thou wander here ?
Selim. Oh, ruin ! \SJ}ituning her*

Irene. Blefl, is Irene ! Blefl if Selim lives !
Selim. Am I betray'd !
Irene. Betray'd to whom ? to her
Whofe grateful heart would rufli on death to fave thee.

Selim. It was my hope,

That time had veil'd all femblance of my youth,
' And thrown the mafk of manhood o'er my viia^e.*
Am I then known ?

Irene. To none, but love and me —
To me, who late beheld thee at Oran ;
Whofaw thee here, beiet with unieen peri),
Anti flew to fave the guardian ot my honour.

Sclim* Thou fum or ev'ry worth ! Thou heav'n of

fweetnefs !

How cou'd I pour forth all my foul before thee,
In vows of endlefs truth ! — It muft not be ! —
This is my delYm'd goal ! — The manfiou drear,
Where grief and anguifli dwell ; where bitter tears,
And fighs and lamentations, choak the voice,
And quench the flame of love !
Irene. Yet, virtuous prince,
Tho' love be filent, gratitude may fpeak.
Hear then her voice, which warns thee troin thefe walls.
Mine be the grateful talk to tell the Queen,
Her Selim lives. Ruin and death mclofe thee.
O fpecd thee hence, while yet deftruclion lleeps !

4 Stlim. Too generous maid ! Oh, heav'n 1 that Burba*
rofla

* Shou'd be Irene's father.
* Irexc. Injur'd prince !

* Lofe not a thought on me ! I know thy wrongs,
4 And merit not thy love. No, learn to hate me.

C 3 * Or

3* B A R B A R O S S A.

* Or if Irene e'er can hope fuch kindnefs.

* Firft pity, then forget me !

* Selim. When I do,

* May heav'n pour down its righteous vengeance ea rue !

* Irene. Hence! hafte thee,^ hence !'
Selim. Wou'd it were pollible !
Irene. What can prevent it ?

. Selim. Juftice ! Fate, and jufticc !
A murder'd father's wrongs !

* Irene. Ah, prince, take heed !

* I have a father too !

4 Selim. What did I fay ? — my father ? — not my fathtr.

* Can I depart till I have feen Zaphira ?'—
Irene. Juftice, faid'ft thou ?

That word hath ft ruck me, like a peal of thunder !

Thine eye, which wont to melt with gentle love,

KOW glares with terror ! Thy approach by night >•• .

Thy dark difguife, thy looks, and fierce demeanor,

Yes, all confpire to tell me, I am loft !

Ah, prince ! takelieed, I have a father too !

Think, Selim, what Irene muft indure,

Should fhe be guilty of a father's blood !

4 Selim. A father's blood !

4 Irene. Too fure. In vain thou hid'ifc

* Thy dire intent ! Forbid it, heav'n, Irene

* Shou'd fee deftru&ion hov'ring o'er her father,

* And not prevent the blow !
4 Selim. Is this thy love,

* Thy gratitude to him who fiw*d thy honour ?

4 Irene. *Tis gratitude to him who gave me life;
' He who preferv'd me, claims the fecond place.
4 Selim. Is he not a tyrant, murderer?

* Irene. Ofpare my lhame ! I am his daughter ftill !

* £//;#. Wou'dit thou become the partner of his crimes?
4 Irene. Forbid it, heav'n ! — Yet I muft lave a father I5
Selim. Come on then. Lead me to him. Glut thine

eye
With Selim's blood—

Irene. Was e'er diftrefs like mine !
O Selim, can I fee my father perifh !

* Would I had ne'er been born ! {7/7//J,

* Selim* Thou virtuous maid !

BARBAROSSA. g^

9 My heart bleeds for thee !

4 Irene.' Quit, O quit thefe walls !
Heav'n will ordain ibine gentler, happier means,
To heal thy woes ! Thy dark attempt is big
With horror and deftruclion ! Generous prince;
Refign thy dreadful purpofe, and depart !

Selim. May not I fee Zaphira, ere I go ?
Thy gentle pity will not, fure, deny us
The mournful pleafure of a parting tear ?

Irene. Go, then, and give her peace. But fly theft

walls,

As foon as morning fliines : — Elfe, tho' defpair
Drive me to madnefs ; — yet — to fave a father !—
O Selim ! fpare my tongue the horrid fentence !
Fly ! ere deft ruction feize thee ! [Exit Irene.

Selim. Death and ruin !

Mull I then fly? — what ! — coward-like betray
My father, mother, friends ? — Vain terrors, hence ?
Danger looks big to fear's deluded eye.
But courage, on the heights and lleeps of fate,
Dares match her glorious purpofe from the edge
Of peril : and while (ick'ning caution fhrinks,
Or felf-betray'd, falls headlong down the fteep ;
Calm refolution, unappal'd, can walk
The giddy brink, fecure. — Now to the Queen,---
How fhall I dare to meet her thus unknown !
How ilifle the warm tranfports of my heart,
That pants at her approach !— Who waits the Queen ?
Who waits Zaphini?

Enter a female Slave.

Slave. Whence this intrufion, flranger, at an hour
DefHn'd to rcil ?

Selim. I come, to fcek the Queen,
On matter of fuch import, as may claim
Her fpeedy audience.

Slave. Thy requeft is vain.

Er'n now the Queen hath heard the mournful tale
O£ her fon's death, and drown'd in grief file lies.
Thou canlrnot fee her.

Selim. Tell the Queen, I come
On meflage from her dear, departed fon ;
And bring his laft requeft.

4 Slavt.

3* BARBAROSSA.

Slave. I'll hafte to tell her.
« With all a mother's tend'reft love fhe'll fly,
' Torneet that name.' [Exit Slave*

Sellm. O ill-diflembling heart ! — My ev'ry limb
Trembles with grateful terror !— * Wou'd to heav'n,

* I had not come !' Some look, or ftarting tear,
Will fure betray me. — Honeil guile affift

My fault'ring tongue !

£,ntcr Zaphira.

Zaphira. Where is this pious ft ranger ?
Say, generous youth, whofe pity leads thee thus
To feek the weeping maniions or diftrefs !
Didft thou behold in death my haplefs fon ?

* Didft thou receive my Selim's parting breath ?'
Did he remember me ?

Sclim. Moil honour'd queen !
Thy fon, — Forgive thefe gufhing tears, which flow
To fee diftrefs like thine !

Zaphira. I thank thy pity !
'Tis generous thus to feel for others woe. —
What of my fon ? ' Say, didft thou fee him die ?'

Selim. By Barbaroffa's dread command I come,
To tell thee, that thefe eyes alone beheld
Thy fon expire.

* Zaphira. Oh heav'n ! — my child ! my child !

* Sellm. That ev'n in death, the pious youth remem-

ber'd

* His royal mother's woes.

4 Zaphira. Where, where was I ?'
Relentlefs fate ! — that I fhould be deny'd
The mournful privilege to fee him die !
To clafp him in the agony of death,
And catch his parting foul ! O tell me all,
All that he faid and look'd : deep in my heart
That I may treafure ev'ry parting word,
Each dying vvhifper of my dear, dear fon !

Sclim. Let not my words offend. — What if he faid,
Go, tell my haplefs mother, that her tears
Have ftream'd too long : then bid her weep no more :
Bid her forget the hufband and the fon,
In Bai barofia's arms !

O, * falfe as hell !' bafely falfe !

Thou

BARBAROSSA. 33

Thou art fome creeping flnve to BarbarofTa,
Sent to furprize my unfufpecYmg heart !
Vile Have, begone ! — My ion betray me thus !—
Cou'd he have e'er conceiv'd ib bafe a purpofe,
My griefs for him fliou'd end in great difdain !—
Eat he was brave ; and fcorn'd a thought fo vile !
Wretched Zaphira ! How art thou become
The fport of Haves ! * O griefs incurable !'

Selim. Yet hope for peace, unhappy queen ! Thy woes
May yet have end.

Zapbira. Why weep'ft thou, crocodile ?
Thy treacherous tears are vain.

Selim. My tears are honeft.
I am not what thou think'll.

Zapbira. Who art thou then !

Seiim. Oh, my full heart !— I am — thy friend and

Selim's.

I come not to infult but heal thy woes.—
Now check thy heart's wild tumult while I tell thee—
Perhaps — thy fon yet lives.

Zapbira. Lives ! O, gracious heav'n !
Do I not dream ? fay, ilranger,— dtdft thou tell me,
Perhaps my Selim lives ? — What do I afk ?
Wild, wild, and fruitlefs hope ! — What mortal pow'r
•Cau e'er re-animate his mangled coarle,
Shoot life into the cold and lilent tomb,
Or bid the ruthlefs grave give up its dead !

Selim. O pow'rrul nature, thou wilt fure betray me !

Thy Selim lives : for lince his rumour'd death,
I faw hi mat Oran.

Zapbira, Ye heav'nty pow'rs ! -
Didtl: thou not fay, thou faw'll my fon expire ?
Didit not ev'n now relate his dying words ?

Srlim, It was an honeit fulfliood, meant to prove
Znphira's unilain'd virtue.

Zaphira. Why— but Othman —
Othman arHrm'd that my poor fon was dead ;
And I have heard, the murderer is come,
In triumph o'er his dear and innocent blood.

v»V//w. I am that murderer---Keneath this guife
I fpi cad th' abortive ule of Selim'a de<»th,

And

34 B A R B A R O S S A.

And haply won the tyrant's confidence,

Hence gain'd accefs : and from thy Selim tell thee,

Selim yet lives ; and honours all thy virtues.

Zaphira. O, generous youth, who art thou ?— From

what clime

Comes fuch exalted virtue, as dares give
A paufe to griefs like mine !— As dares approach,
And prop the ruin tott'ring on its bale,
Which felfiih caution fhuns— Oh, fay— who art thou ?

Selim. A friendlefs youth, felf-banifh'd with thy fon ;
Long his companion in diitrefs and danger :
One who rever'd thy worth in profp'rous days :
And more reveres thy virtue in diftrefs.

Zaph. Gentle flranger, mock not my woes,
But tell me truly, ---does my Selim live?

Selim. He does, by Heav'n !

Zaph. Oh, generous Heaven, thou. at length o* erpay'Jl
JMy litter cjl pangs, if my dear Selim lives,
And does he {till remember
His father's wrongs, and mine !

Selim. He bade me tell thee,
That in his heart indelibly are itamp'd
His father's wrongs, and thine: that he but wait*
'Till awful juftice may unfheath her fwo-rd,

* And luft and murder tremble at her frown 1*
That rill th' arrival of that happy hour,
Deep in his foul the hidden fire iha]l glow,
And his breaft labour with the great revenge !

. * Zapb. Eternal bleffings crown my virtuous fen !

* I feel my heart revive ! Here, peace once more

* Begins to dawn.

* Selim.9 Much honour'd queen, Farewel.

Zaph. Not yet, ---not yet ;— indulge a mother's love!
In thee, the kind companion of his griefs,
Methinks I fee my Selim ftand before me.
Depart not yet. A thoufand fond requefls
Croud on my mind : wifhes, and pray'rs and tears,
Are all I have to give. Oh, bear him thefe !

Selim. Take comfort then ; for know thy fon, o'erjoy'd
To refcue thee, wou'd bleed at ev'ry vein !
Bid her, he faid, yet hope we may be blert !
Bid her remember that the ways of heav'n,

Though

B A R B A R'O S S A. 3-

Though dark, are juft : that oft fome guardian povv'r

Attends unfeen to lave the innocent !

But if high Heav'n decrees our fall, ---Oh, bid her

Firmly to wait the ftroke, prepar'd alike

To live or die ! * and then he wept, as I do.'

Zaph. Eternal blejfings crown my virtuous f on*
' Oh, righteous Heav'n ! Thou haft at length o'erpay'd
' My bitt'reft pangs ; if my dear Selim lives,
' And lives for me !-— hear my departing pray'r ! \Kneds*

* Oh, fpare my fon !' — Protect his tender years !
Be thou his guide through dangers and diftrefs !
Soften the rigours of his cruel exile,

And lead him to his throne !---' when I am gone,
' Blefs thou his peaceful reign ! Oh, early bleis him

* With the fweet pledges of connubial love ;

* That he may win his virtue'sjult rexvard,

* And talte the raptures which a parent's heart

' Reaps from a child like him ! Not for myfelf,---
' But my dear ion, — accept my parting tears!'

[£*/'/ Zaphira,
Sclim. Now, fwelling heart,
Indulge the luxury of grief ! Flow tears !
And rain down tranfport in the fhape of forrow !
Yes, I have footh'd her woes ; have found her noble :
And to have giv'n this refpite to her pangs,
OVrpavs all pain and peril !—Pow'rful virtue !
How infinite thy joys, when ev'n thy griefs
Are pleafing !---' Thou, luperior to the frowns
' Of fate, canft pour thy funfliine o'er the foul, • .

* And brighten woe to rapture !'

Enter Othman axd Sadi.

Of/.'. Honour'd friends !
How goes the night ?

Sadi. 'Tis well nigh midnight.

Oth. What— in tears, my prince ?

Selim. But tears of joy : for I have feen Zaphira,
And pour'd the balm of peace into her breaft :
Think not thefe tears unnerve me, valiant friends :
They have but harmoniz'd my foul ; and wak'd
All that is man within me, todildain
Peril, or death. ---What tidings from the city ?

&*#.

36 BARBAROSSA.

Sadi. All, all is ready. Our confed'rate friends
Burn with impatience, till the hour arrive.

Selim. What is the fignal of th' appointed hour ?

Sadi. The midnight watch gives fignal of cur meeting j
And when the fecond watch or night is rung,
The work of death begins.

Selim. Speed, fpeed ye minutes !
Now let the rifing whirlwind (hake Algiers,
And juitice guide the florin ! ' Scarce two hours hence—

4 Sadi. Scarce more than one.

* Selim.* Oh, as ye love my life,
Let your zeal haften on the great event :
The tyrant's daughter found, and knew me here ;
And half fufpecls the caufe.

Otbman. Too daring prince,
Retire writh us ! Her fears will fine betray thee !

Selim. What ! leave my helplefs mother, here, a prey
To cruelty and lull ? — I'll perilli firft :
This very night the tyrant threatens violence :
I'll watch his ileps : I'll haunt him through the palace :
And, fhou'd he meditate a deed ib vile,
I'll hover o'er him like an unfeen peitilencc^
And blaft him in his guilt !

• Sadi. Intrepid prince !
Worthy of empire 1 — Yet accept my life,
My worthlefs life : do thou retire with Othman ;
I will protect Zaphira.

Selim. Think'it thou, Sadi,
That when the trying hour of peril comes,
Selim will flirmk into a common man !
Worthlefs were he to rule, who dares not claim
Pre-eminence in danger. Urge no more.
Herefhall my ftauon be : and if I fall,
Oh, friends, let me have vengeance ! — Tell me now.
Where is the tyrant !

Otbman. Revelling at the banquet.

Selim. 'Tis good. — Now tell me, how our pow'rs ar«

deitin'd ?

Sadi. Near ev'ry port, a fecret band is pofted :
By thefe the watchful centinels muft perifii :

The reft is eafy : for the glutted troops
Liedrown'd ia ileep ; the dagger's chc -;pcft

prey.

Aimanzor,

B A R B A R O S S A. 3?

Almanzor^ with his friends, will circle round
The avenues of the palace. Othman and I
Will join our brave confederates (all iworn
To conqueror to die) and burft the gates
Of this foul den. Then tremble, B.irbarofTa !

' Sellm. Oh, how the near approach of this great hour
' Fires all iny foul ! But, valiant friends, I charge you,
4 Referve the murd'rer to my juil revenge;

* My poignard claims his blood.*
Othman. Forgive me, prince !

Forgive my doubts ! — Think — fliou'd the fair Irene —

Sclim. Thy doubts are vain. I wou'd not fpare the ty-
Tno' the fweet maid lay weeping at my feet ! [raiu,

* Nay, fhou'd he fall by any hand but mine,

' By Heav'n, I'd think my honor'd father's blood

* Scarce half reveng'd !' My love indeed is ilrong!
But love fhall yield to juilice !

Sadi. Gallant prince !
Bravely refolv'd !

Selim. But is the city quiet !

Sadi. All, all ishufVd. Throughout the empty Ikeets.
Nor voice, nor found. As if th' inhabitants,
Like the prefaging herds that feek the covert
Ere the loud thunder rolls, had inly felt
And ilumn'd th' impending uproar.

Othman. There is ft folemn horror in the night toa,
That pleafes me : a general paufe through nature ;
The winds are hum'd —

Sadi. And as I pafs'd the beach,
The lazy billows fcarce cou'd lafli the fhore :
No (lar peeps through the firmament of heav'n— -

Sellm. Andlo — where eailward, o'er the fui'en \yavep
The warning moon, depnvM of hajf her orb,
Riles in blood : her beam, well-nigh extinct,
Faintly contends with durknefsi — [ Bell &&,

Hark ! — what meant
That tolling bell?

Othman. It rings the midnight watch.

iSW/. This was the fignal —

Come, Othman, wearecali'd: the paffing miniitei
Chide our delay : brave Othman, let us l*eoce.
D

$4 B A R B A R O S S A.

Setim. One lafl embrace! — nor doubt, but crown'd in

glory,

We foon fliall meet again. But, Oh, remember, —
Amid' the tumult's: rage, remember mercy !

* Stain not a righteous caule with guiltlcfs blood !'
Warn our brave friends, that we unflieath the fword,
Not to deflroy, but lave ! Nor let blind zeal,

Or wanton cruelty, e'er turn its edge
On age or innocence 1 or bid us ftrike,
Where the moil pitying angel in the fkies
That now looks on us from his blelt abode,
Wmt'd \virn that we fhou'd fpare.

~Otr:>man. So may we profper,
As mercy (hall dived us.

Sclim. Farewd, friends !

Sadi. Intrepid prince, farewel. [Exeunt Orh. dWSadi.

Selim. Now llerp and faience
Brood o'er the city. — The devoted centinel
Now takes his lonely {land ; and idly dreams,
Of that to- morrow, he fliall never fee !
In this dread interval, Oh, bufy though f,

* Prom outward things1 defcend into thyfelf!

Search deep my heart ! Bring with thee awful confcicncf ,
And firm refolve ! That in th' approaching hour
Of blood and horror, I may Hand unmovM ;
Nor fear to ilrike where jtiflice calls, nor date
To Ilrike where fhe forbids ! — 4 Why bear I then

This dark, infidious dagger ?--•' Fis the badge

Of vilealiiiffins ; of the coward hand

Thr.t dares not meet its foe---Detefted thought !

Yet, — as foul luft and murder, though on thrones

Triumphant, Hill retain their hell-born quality ;

Sojuflice, groaning beneath countlefs wrongs,

Quits not her fpotlefs and celeftial nature ;

But in th' unhallowM murderer's difguife,

Can fancYify this Heel !

Then be it fo ;' — Witnefs, ye pow'rs of heav'n,
That not from you, but from the murd'rer's eye,
I wrap myfelf in night !- — To you I Hand
Reveal 'd in noon-tide day ! — Oh, cou'd I arm
My hand with pow'r! Then, like to you, array'd
In florin and fire, my fwift-avenging thunder

Shou'd

E A R B A R O S S A. 39

Shou'ci blaft this tyrant. But fince fate denie.s

That privilege, I'll feizeon what it gives :

Like the deep-cavern'd earthquake, burft beneath him,

And whelm his throne, his empire, and himfelf,

In one prodigious ruin !

END of the THIRD ACT.

ACT IV.

Enter Irene an d Aladin.

IRENE.

BUT didil thou tell him, Aladin, my fears
Brook no delay?

Aladin. I did.

Irene. Why comes he not !

Oh, what a dreadful dream !---'Tvvas furely more
Than troubled fancy : never was my foul
Shook with fuch hideous phantoms '.---Still he linger* !
Return, return : and tell him that his daughter
Dies, till (lie warn him of this threatning ruin.

Aladin. Behold, becomes. [Exeunt Alad, and Guards,
Enter Barbarofla.

Barl. Thou bane of all my joys !
Some gloomy planet furely rul'd thy birth !
Ev'n now thy ill-tim'd fear fufpends the banquet,
And damps the feftal Jhour.

Irene* Forgive my fear !

Barb. What fear, what phantom hath poifefs'd thy
brain ?

Irene. Oh, guard thee from the terrors of this night ;
For terrors lurk unfeen ;

Barl* What terror ? fpeak.

4 Wou'dft thou unman me into female weakncfs ?'
Say, what thou dread'it, and why ? I have a foul
To meet the blacked dangers umtifmay'd.

Irene* Let not my father check with item rebuke
The warning voice of nature. Forev'n now,
Retir'd to reft, ' foon as I clos'd mine eyes,'
A horrid vifion rofe---Methouuht I faw
Young Selim riling from the lilent tomb :

D 2 Mangled

4o B A R B A R O S S A.

* Mangled and bloody was his coarfe : his hair
4 Clotted with gore ; his glaring eyes on fire 1*
Dreadful he ihook a dagger in his hand.

By fome myfterious pow'r he rofe in air.
When lo,---at his command, this yawning roof
Was cleft in twain, and gave the phantom entrance !
Swift he defcended with terrific brow,
llulh'd on my giuudlefs father at the banquet,
Andplung'd his furious dagger in thy breail !

Earl. Wouldft tbou appal me by a brain-lick vifion ?
Get thee to reft.—' Sleep but as found till morn,

* As Selim in his grave mall ileep for ever,

1 And then no haggard dreams lliall ride thy fancy !'
Irene . Yet hear me, deareft father !
Barb. ' To the couch I'

Provoke me not.

Irene. ' What (hall I fay, to move him 1*
Merciful Heav'n, inftruft me what to do !

Enter Akdin.
Sari). What mean thy looks ?— why. doft thou gaz,e fo

wildly ?

AlaJin. I hafted to inform thee, that ev'n now,
Rounding the watch, I met the brave Abdalla,
Breathlefs with tidings of a rumourdark,
' Which runs throughout the city,' that young Selim

Is yet alive

Barb. May plagues confume the tongue
That broach'd the falfhood !— 'Tis not poffibie—
What did he tell thee further ?

Aladin* More he faid not :
Save only, that the fpreading rumour wak'd
A fpirit of revolt.

Irene. Oh, gracious father ! —

Rarb. The rumour's falfe— And, yet, your coward fears
Infect me !— What !— fliall I be terrify 'd
By midnight vilions ?---' Can the troubled brain
* Of deep out-ftretch the reafon's waking eye ?'
I'll not believe it.

Ala Jin . £u t th i s gath *ri n g ru mo u r •

Think but on that, my Lord !

Barb. Infernal darknefs
Swallow the Have that rais'd it ! — « Yet. 1*11 do

. < What

BARBAROSSA. 41

* What caution dictates. '---Hark thec, Aladin —

* Slave, hear my will. '--See that the watch be doubled, ---
Find out this iiranger, Achmet; and lorthwith

Let him be brought before me.

Irene. Oh, my father !
I do conjure thee, as thou lov'ft thy life,
Retire, and truft thee to thy faithful guards-
See not this Achmet !

Barb. 4 Not fee him ! — Death and torment ! —

* Think'il thou, I fear a fingle arm that's mortal?'
Not fee him ?— -Forthwith bring the (lave before me.—
If he prove falfe---if hated Selim live,

I'll heap fiich vengeance on him — —

Irene. Mercy ! Mercy !

Barb, Mercy. ---To whom ?

Irene, To me :— and to thyfelf :
To hira---to all— Thou think'ft I rave ; yet true
My vi lions are, as ever prophet utter'd,
When heav'n infpires his tongue !

Barb. Ne'er did the moon-ilruck madman rave with

dreams

More wild than thine !— Get thee to reft ; e'er yet
Thy folly wake my rage. ---Call Achmet hither.

Irene. Thus proitrate on my knees !--Oh, fee him not*
Selim is dead :---Indeed the rumour's falfe !
There is no danger near ;---or, if there be,
Achmet is innocent !

Barb. Oif, frantic wretch !

This ideot-drcam hath turn'd her brain to madnefs !
Hence---to thy chamber, till returning rcafon
Hath calm'd this tempeft.— -On thy duty hence!

Irene. Yet hear the voice of caution !: —Cruel fate !
What have I done '.---Heav'n fliield my deareit father !
Heav'n thield the innocent '.---Undone Irene !
Whate'erth' event, thy doom is mifery. [Exit Irene,

Barb. Her words are wrapt in darknefs.- --Aladin,
Forthwith tend Achmet hither.---' Mark him well.- —

* His countenance and geflure.'-— Then with fpeed
Double the cemmels. [Exit Aladin.
Infernal guilt !

How doft thou rife in ev'ry hideous fhape,
Of rage and doubt, fufpicion and defpair,

D 3 To

42 B A R B A R O S S A.

To rend my foul ! * more wretched far than they,

* Made wretched by my crimes !'---Why did I not
Repent, while yet my crimes were delible !

Ere they had {truck their colours through my foul,
As black as night or hell !---'Tis now too late !- —

* Hence* then, 4 ye vain repinings !' — Take me all,
Unfeeling guilt ! Oh, banifh, if thou canit.,

This fell remorfe, and ev'ry fruitlefs fear !

* Be this my glory,---to be great in evil !

* To combat my own heart, and, fcorning confcience,

* Rife to exalted crimes !'

.E#/<T Selim.
Come hither, flave:---
Hear me, and tremble :-- -art thou what thou feem'ft ?

Selim. Ha !

Barb. Do'ft thou paufe ?— By hell, the flave's coa-
founded !

Scl-im. That Barbarofla fliou'd fufpecT; my truth I

Earb. Take heed ! For by the hov'ring pow'rs of ven
geance,

If I do find thee treacherous, I will doom thee
To death and torment, fuch as human thought
Ne'er yet conceiv'd ! Thou com'ft beneath the guifc
Of Selim's murderer.— Now tell me:— Is not
That Selim yet alive ?

Selim. Selim alive !

Earl. Perdition on thee ! Dolt thou echo me !
Anfwer me quick, or die ! [Draws bis dagger,

Selim. Yes, freely itr ike-
Already haft thou giv'n the fatal wound,
And piercM my heart with thy unkind fufpicion \
Oh, cou'd my dagger find a tongue, to tell
How deep it drank his blood !-- -But fince thy doubt
Thus wrongs my zeal,-— Behold my breaft-—flrikehere--
For bold is innocence.

Barb. I fcorn the tafk. [Puts up bis Jaggcr,

Time {hall decide thy d©om.-— Guards, mark me well.
See that ye watch the motions of this flave :
And if he meditates t'efcape your eye,
Let your good fabres cleave him to the chine.

Selim* I yield me to thy will, and when thou know'ft
a That

BARBAROSSA. 43

That Selim lives, or feed his hated face,
Then wreak thy vengeance on me.

Barb. Bear him hence. —
Yet, on your lives, await me within call.— -
I will have deeper inquiiition made :
* Haply fome witnefs may confront the flave,
' And drag to light his falfhood.'

[Excu?it Selim and Guards*

Call Zaphira. {Exit a Slave.

If Selim lives — then what is BarbarofTa ?
My throne's a bubble, that but floats in air,
Till marriage-rites declare Zaphira mine.—

Fool that I am ! To wait the weak effects

Of ilow perfuafion : when unbounded pow'r

Can give me all I wifli ! — Slave, hear my will,— »
Fly— -bid the priell prepare the marriage-rites.

Let incenfe rife to heav'n ; and choral fongs

Attend Zaphira to the nuptial bed.* [Exit Slave*.

1 will not brook delay. ---By love and vengeance,
This hour decides her fate!

Enter Zaphira.

Well, haughty fair.

Hath reafon yet fubdu'd thee ? Wilt thou hear
The voice of love ?

Zapb. Why doit thou vainly urge me ?
Thou know'ft my fix'd refolve.

Barb. Can aught but phrenzy
Rufli on perdition ?

Zapb. Therefore (hall no pow'r
E'er make me thine.

Barb. Nay, fport not with my rage :

* Though yon fufpected flave affirms him dead ;
4 Yet rumour whifpers, that young Selim lives.

* Zapb. Cou'd I but think him fo ! my earned pray'r

* Shou'd rife to heav'n, to keep him far from thee !

* Barb. Therefore, led treach'ry undermine my pow'r,*
Know, that thy final hour of choice is come !

Zapb. I have no choice. — Think'il thou I e'er will wed
The murd'rer of my lord ?

Barb. Take heed, rafh queen !
Tell me thy laft refolve.

Then hear me, heav'n !

Hear

44 B. ARE A ROSS A.

Hear all ye pow'rs that watch o'er innocence !
Angels ot light ! And thou, dear honour'd {hade
Of my departed lord ! attend, while here
I ratify with yows my laft reiolve !

* If e'er I wed this tyrant murderer*
If I pollute me with this horrid union,
' Black as adultery or damned inceil,'
May ye, the iv.iniilers of heav'n, depart,
^Nor fhed your influence on the guilty icene !
iMay horror blacken all our days and nights !
May diiccrd light the nuptial torch ! And * riling

* From hell, may fwarming* fiends in triumph howl
Around th' accuri'ed bed !

23arl>. Begone, remorfe !

Guards do your oftce : drag her to the altar.

Heed not her tears o.r cries. — 4 What ? — dare ye doubt ?

* Inltant obey ray bidding; or, by hell,

* Torment and death (hall overtake you all ! *

[Guards go tofflzc Zapbira.
Zapb. Oh, fpare me !---Heav*n protect me !---Oh,

my ion,

Wert thou but here, to fave thy helplefs mother !---
Wbatihail I do 1-^-Undone, undone Zaphira !

ILntcr Selim.

Selim. Who calTd on Achmet ? — Did not Barbarofla
Requires me here ?

Earl. Officious Have, retire !
I call'd thee not.

Zaph. Oh, kind and generous ftranger, lend thy aid !
Oh, refcue me from theie impending horrors !
Heav'n will reward thy pity !
4 Earl. Drag her hence !J
Selim. Pity her woes, Oh, mighty Barbaroflu !
• J2arZ>. Rouze not my vengeance, {lave !
Selim. Oh, hear me, hear me ! [Kneels,

Barb. Curfeon thy toward zeal !—
Selim» Yet, yet have mercy.

[Lays hold of B;;rbaroffi's garment.
Barl. Prefuming flave, begone! [Strides Selim.

Selim. Nay, then — dje, tyrant.

and aims to flab Barba refill.

ivre/h his dagger fr:m him*
Barb.

E A R B A R 0 S S A. 4$

"Barb, Ah, traitor, have I caught thee. —Hold—forbear—

[ To guards <wbo offer to kill Selim*
Kill him not yet — I will have greater vengeance. —
Perfidious wretch, who art thou ? Bring the rack :
Let that extort the fecrets of his heart.

Selim. Thy impious threats are loft ! I know that deatk
And torments are my doom. — Yet, ere I die,
I'll ftrike thy foul with horror. — Off, vile habit ! —

* Let me emerge from this dark cloud that hides me,
' And make my fetting glorious !' — If thou dar'ft,
Now view me ! — Hear me, tyrant ; — while with voice
More terrible than thunder, I proclaim,

That he who aim'd the dagger at tby heart,
Is Selim !

Zapb. Oh, heav'n ! my fon ! my fon ! [Sbefaiuti*

Selim. Unhappy mother ! [Runs to embrace bcr.

Barb. Tear them afunder. [ Guardsfcparate tbcm»

Selim. Barb'rous, barb'roas ruffians !

Barb. Slaves, feize the traitor. [They offer to feize bim.

Selim. Oft', ye vile flaves ! I am your king!— Retire,
And tremble at my trowns ! That is the traitor j
That is the murderer, * tyrant, raviflier :' feize him
And do your country right !

Bdrl). Ah, coward dogs!
Start ye at words !— or feize him, or by hell,
This dagger ends you all. [They feize him*

Selim. * 'Tis done!' — Doll thou revive, unhappy
Now arm thy foul with patience ! [Queen !

Zapb. My dear fon !

Do I then live, once more to fee my Selim !
Bur, Oh, to fee thee thus ! [Weeping,

Selim. Can ft thou behold
Her fpeechlefs agonies, and not relent !

' Barb. At length revenge is mine !— Slaves, force
her hence !

* This hour lliall crown my love.

' Zapb. Oh, mercy, mercy !

* Selim? Lo, Barbarofla ! thou at length haft con-

quer'd !

Behold a haplefs prince, o'erwhelm'd with woes, [Kncch*
Proftrate before thy feet !.--Not for myfelf
I plead !---Yes, plunge the dagger in my breaft !

Tear

46 B .A R B A R O S S A.

Tear, tear me piecemeal ! But, Oh, fpare Zaphira I
Yet, yet relent ! force not her matron honour !

* Reproach not heav'n !*

Rarb. Have I then bent thy pride ?
Why, this is conqueft ev'n beyond my hope !•--
Lie there, thouflave! lie, till Zaphira's cries
'Arouzc thee from thy poilure J

.Setim. Doll thou iiiiult my griefs ? ----unmanly wretch !
Curfe on the fenr that cou'd betray my limbs, \Rijing.
My coward limbs, to this difhoneir. pcilure !
Long have I fcorn'd, I now deiy thy pow'r.

Earl. 1*11 put thy boalred virtue to the trial.
Slaves, bear him to the task.

2apb.. Oh, fpare my ion !
Sune filial virtue never was a crime !
Save but my fon !---! yield me to thy wifh !
What do I fay ?---The marriage vow— --Oh, horror !
This ho.ur (hall make me thine !

Selim. What! doom thyfelf
The guilty partner of a murderer's bed,
'Whole hands yet reek with thy de.ar huiband's blood !
4 To be the mother of deflruclive tyrants,

* The cnrfes of mankind !'— -By heav'n, I fwear,
The guilty hour that gives thee to the arms

Of that deteftecK murderer, ihajl end
Xhis hated Hie ! —

Barb, Or yield thee, or he dies ?—

Zaph. The conflict's paft.-— I will refumeray greatnefs ;
We*ll bravely die, as we have liv'd, with honour!

Sclim. Now, tyrant, pour thy fierceft fury on us :- —
Now fee, defpairing guilt ! that virtue ft ill
Shall conquer, though in ruin.

Barb. Drag them hence :
Her to the alter : Selim to his fute.

' Zaph. Oh, Selim! Oh, my fon!— Thy doom fa

* Wou'd it were mine ! [death !

* i-ditu. Wou*d I cou'd give it thee !
' Is there no means to fave her ! Lend, ye guards,

* Yeminifters of death, in pity tend

* Yourfwordsj or fome kind weapon of deftrudion !

6 Sure

BARBAROSSA. 4j

* Sure the moil mournful boon, that ever fon
4 Afk'd for the belt of mothers !

4 Zapb. Dearcft Selim !

4 fiarb. I'll hear no more. ---Guards, bear them t«
their fate.' [Guards feize him*

Sel>m. One lalt embrace !
Farevvel ! Farewel (or ever ! [Guards fruggk w//£ them.'

Zapb. One moment yet !---i-'ity a mother's p:mgs !
Oh, Selim !

Sel/M. Oh, my mother! [Exeunt Selim and Zaphira.

4 Jlr.rb. My dem-eft hopes are blaffed !-- What is pow'r ;

* If ftubbnrn virtue thus out-foar it's flight !
4 Vet he {hull die — and (he —

4 Enter Aladin.

4 AJtitf Ileav'n guard my lord !
4 Harlj. \Vhat mean' ft thou, Aladin?
4 AlfttL A (tave arriv'd,

* Says that yoimg Selim lives : nay, fomcwhere lurks

* Within thefe ivalls.

4 Barb. The lurking traitor's found,
4 Convicted, and difarm'd. — Ev'n now heaim'd
c This dagger at my heart.

4 Alaii. Av.daciotis traitor !

4 The flave fays further, that he brings thee tidings
4 Of dark conspiracy, now hov'ring o?er us :
4 And claims'thy private ear.

* Barb. Of dark confpiracy !

* W here ? — Among w h o m ?

4 AiaJ. The fecret friends of Selim,
4 Who nightly haunt the city.
4 Barb. Cuffe the traitors !

* Now fpeed'thee, Aladm. — b'end forth ourfpies :

4 Explore their haunts. For, by th' infernal pow'rs,

4 I will let looit my rage. — The furious lion

4 Now foams indignant, fcorhing tears and cries.

4 Let Selim forthwith die. — Come, mighty vengeance !

4 Stir me to cruelty ! The rack fhall groan

4 With new-born hotrors ' — I will ifilie forth,

4 Like midnight-peitilence ! My breath fiiall itrew

4 The itreets with dead ; r,nd havock {talk in gore.

4 Hence, pity ! — Feed the milky thought of babes ;

4 Mine is of bloodier hue.'

of the FOU&T'H ACT.

A(^T

4& BARBAROSSA.

ACT V.

Safer BarbarofTa and Aladin.

BARBAROSSA.

IS the watch doubled ? Are the gates fecur'd
Againft furprize ?

Alad. They are, and mock th' attempt
Of force or treachery.

Earl. This whifper'd rumour
Of dark confpiracy, * on further inqueft,'
Seems but a falfe alarm. Our fpies, fent out,

* And now return'd from fearch,' affirm that fleep
Has wrap'd the city.

Alad. But while Selim lives,
Deftruftion lurks within the palace walls ;

* Nor bars, nor centinels can give us fafety.'

Barb. Right, Aladin. His hour of fate approaches.
How goes the night ?

The fecond watch is near.

Barb. 'Tis well :• --Whene'er it rings the traitor dies.

* So hath my will ordain'd. — I'll feize theoccalion,

* While I may fairly plead my life's defence.

* Alad. True : for he aim'd his dagger at thy heart.

* Barb. He did. Hence juftice, uncompell'd fhall feem
1 To lend her fword, and do ambition's work.

* Alad. His bold refolves have ileel'd Zaphira's bread

* Again il thy love : thence he deferves to die.

* Barb. And death's his doom — Yet, firft the rack

fhall rend
Each fecret from his heart ; ' unlefs he give

* Zaphira to my arms, by marriage-vows,

* With full confent ; ere yet the fecond watch

* Toll for his death. — Curie on this woman's weaknefs !

* I yet wou'd win her love ! ' Haite, feek out Othman :
Go, tell him, that deftruftion and the fword

Hang o'er young Selim's head, if fwift compliance
Plead not his pardon. [Exit Aladin.

Stubborn fortitude !

Had he not interpos'd, fuccefs had crown'd
My love, now hopelefs. — Then let vengeance feize him.

Enter

BARBAROSSA. 4$

Enter Irene.

Irene* Oh, night of horror! — Hear me, honourM fa-
Jf e'er Irene's peace was dear to thee, [ther 1

Now hear me !

Earl. Impious ! Dar'it thou difobry ?
Did not my facred will ordain thee hence ?
Get thee to reft ; for death is ftirring here.

Irene. Oh, fatal words ! By ev'ry facred tie,
"Recall the dire decree ! —

Barb . W h n t wou 'd t h o u fay ?
Whom plead for ?

Irene. For a brave unhappy prince,
Senteiic'd to die.

Earl. And juftly • — But this hour,
The traitor half-fulfill'd thy dream, and aim'd
His dapper at my heart.

4 Irene. Might pity plead !

* Earl. Wh.it ! — plead for treachery ?

Irene. ' Yet pity might beftow a milder name.

* Would'ft thou not love the child, whofc fortitude

4 Shou'd hazard life for thee r — Oh, think on that :— *
The noble mind hates not a virtuous foe :
His gen'rous purpofe was to fave a mother !

Earl, Damn'd was his purpofe : andaccurft art thou,
Whofe perfidy woti'd fave the dark aflallin
Who fought thy father's life ! — Hence, from rny fight.

Irene. Oh, never, till thy mercy fpare my Selim!

Earl, Thy Selim ? — Thine ?

Irene. Thou know'il — by gratitude
He's mine. — Had not his generous hand redcem'd me$
What then had been Irene?

4 Barb. Faith lei s wretch !

* Unhappy father ! whofe perfidious child

Leagues with his deadlier! foe -, and gi.ides the dagger

Ev*n to his heart ! — Perdition catch thy falihood !

And is it thus, a thanklefs child repays me,

For all the guilt in which I plung'dmy foul,

To railc her to a throne !

' Irene. Oh, fpare thefe words,

More keen than daggers to my bleeding heart !

Let me not live fulptcted ! — Deareil father 1 —

iBelicld.my bceaft ! write thy fufplcions here :

L 4 Wwte

SO BARBAROSSA.

' Write them in blood ; but* fpare the gen'rous youth,
Who fav'd me from dishonour.

Barb. By the pow'rs

Of great revenge : thy fond intreaties feal
His inftant death.— -In him, I'llpunifh thee.-—
Away !

Irene. Yet hear me ! Ere my tortur'd foul
Rufh on fome deed of horror !

Barl. ' Seize her, guards,'—
Convey the frantic ideot from my prefence :
See that Hie do no violence on herfelf. [fejrs

Irene. Oh, Sclim ! — -generous youth! — how have my
Betray 'd thee to deilruction ! — • Slaves, unhand me !•—
Think ye, I'll live to bear thefe pangs of grief,
Thefe horrors that opprefs my tortur'd fail ?—
Inhuman father ! — Generous, injur'd prince !—
Methinks I fee thee flretch'd upon the rack,
Hear thy expiring groans : — Oh, horror ! horror !
What fliall I do to lave him !---Vain, alas !
Vain are my tears and pray'rs !---At leaft, I'll die.
Death fhall unite us yet ! [Exeunt Irene and Guards*

Barb. Oh, torment, torment !
Kv'n in the midtl of pow'r !---the vileit flave
More happy tar than I !---The very child,
Whom my love cherifh'd from her infant years,
Confpires to blaft my peace!— Oh, falfe ambition,
4 Thou lying phantom !' whither halt them lur'd me!
Ev'n to this giddy height ; where now I iland,
Korfaken, comfortlels ! with not a friend
In whom my foul can trull; now, Aladin !

Enter Aladin.
Had thou feen Othman ?
He will not, lure, confpire againft my peace.

AlctJ. He's fled, my lord. I dread fome lurking ruia.
' The centinel on watch fays, that' he pafs'd
The gate, fmce midnight, with an unknown friend :
And as they paft'd, Othman in whifpers faid,
Now farewel, bloody tyrant.

Barb. Slave, thou ly'ft.
He did not dare to fay it, or, if he did,
6 Pernicious Have,' why doit thou wound my ear
By the roul repetition ? — ' Gracious pow'rs,

4 « Let

B A R B A R O S S A. 5*

' Let me becalm !— Oh, my diftracled foul !
' How am I rent in pieces ! — Othman fled ! —
' Why then may all hell's curfes follow him !'
What's to be done r fome mifchief lurks unfeen.

Aladin. Prevent it then —

Barb. By Selim's inftant death —

* Aladin. Ay, doubtlefs.

' Barb.' Is the rack prepared ?

Aladin. 'Tis ready.

Along the ground he lies, o'ervvhelm'd with chain*.
The miniilers of death Hand round ; and wait
Thy laft command.

Barb. Once more I'll try to bend
His flubborn foul — Condud me forthwith to him :
And if he now refufe my. proffer M kindnefs,
Deftruc"tion i wallows him ! [Exta*tt

belim difwvered in chains , Executioner ft Officer ^ &c, and
Rack.

Sclim. I pray you, friends,
Whem I am dead, let not indignity
Infult thefepoor remains, fee them interr'd
Clofe by my father's tomb ! I alk no more,

Officer. Theyfhall.

Selim. How goes the night ?

Officer. Thy hour of fate,
The fecond watch, is near.

Sclint. Let it come on ;
I am prepar'd.

Enter Barbarofla a?i<j Guards.

Sari. So---raife him from the ground. [They ralfehim*
Perfidious boy ! Behold the juft rewards
Of guilt and treachery !— Didftthou not give
Thy forfeit life, whene'er I fhould behold
Selim's detefted face ?

Selim. Then take it, tyrant.

Barb. Didft thou not aim thy dagger at my heart f

O J* T 1* I *-'f *

oehm. I did.

Barb. Yet heav'n defeated thy intent ;
And fav'd me from the dagger.

Selim. 'Tis not ours,
To queftion Heav'n. Th' intent and not the deed

£ z Is

$a B A R B A R O S S A.

Is in our pow'r : fcnd therefore who dares greatly,
Does greatly.

Barb. Yet bethink thee, ftubborn boy,
What horrors now furround thee---

Sel'ni, Think'ft thou, tyrant,
I came ib ill prepared ? — i Thy rage is weak,

* Thy torments pow'rlefs o'er the iteady mind :*
He who cou'd bravely dare, can bravely fuller.

Barb. Yet, lo, I come, by pity led, to fpare
Relent, and fave Zaphira !---For the bell
Ev'n now expects the centinel, to toil
The fignal of thy death.

Selim. Let guilt like thine
Tremble at death : I fcorn his darkevt frown.
Hence, tyrant, nor profane my dying hour!

Barb. Then take thy wifn, [Belt tol!it

There goes the fatal knell.
4 Thy fate is feal'd.'---Not all thy mother's tears,
Nor pray'rs, nor eloquence of grief, fhall fave thcC
From inftant death. Yet ere the aiTafiin die,
Let torment wring each fee ret from his heart.
The traitor Othman's fledj— -confpiracy
Lurks in the womb of night, and threatens ruin.
Spare not the rack, nor ceafe, till it extort
The lurking treafon ; * and this murd'rer call
' On death, to end his woe 8.' [Exit Barbaroifo,

Sclittt. Come on then. * \7beylindbini?

Begin the work of death — 4 what ! bound with cords,

* Like a vile criminal !'— -Oh, valiant friends,
When will ye give me vengeance !

Enter Irene*
Irene, Stop, Oh, flop !

Hold your accurfed hands !— On me, on rnek
Pour all your torments ; — how /hall I approach thee ?
Sclim. Thefe are thy father's gifts ! — Yet thou art

guild efs :

Then let me take thee to my heart, thou beft
Moil amiable ot women !

Irene. Rather curfe me,
As the betrayer of thy virtue !
&'///*. Ah"!

Irene.

BARBAROSSA. 53

Irene. 'Twas I— my fears, my frantic fears betray'd
Thus falling at thy feet ! may I but hope [thee 1

For pardon ere I die !

Sftim. Hence, to thy father!

Irene. Never, Oh, never ! — Crawling in the duft,
I'll clafp thy feet, and bathe them with my tears !
Tread me to earth J I never will complain j
But my laft breath mall blefs thee !

Selim. Lov'd Irene !
What hath my fury done ?

4 Irene. Indeed, 'twas hard !

* But I was born to forrow 1

* Selim. Melt me not.

* I cannot bear thy tears ; — they quite unman me !

* Forgive the tranfports ot my rage !

* In tie. Alas !

* The guilt is mine : — Canil thou forgive thofe fears
4 That firil awak'd fufpicion in my father !

* Thofe fears that have undone thee ! — Heav'n is witnefs,
1 They meant not ill to thte !'

* Selim. None; none, Irene!

* No ; 'twas the generous voice of filial love :

* That, only, prompted thee to fave a father.

* Yes ; from my in mod foul I do approve
4 That virtue which dellroys me.*

Irene. Canft thou, then,
Forgive and pity me ?

Selim. I do, — I do.

Irene. On my knees,

Thus let me thank thce, generous, injur'd prince !---
Oh, earth and heav'n ! I hat iuch uiiequal'd worth
Shou'd meet fo hard a fate '.---That I---That 1---
Whom his love refcu'd from the depth of woe,
Shou'd be th'accurft deflroyer ! Strike, in pity :
And end this hated life !

Selim. Ceufe, dear Irene.

Submit to heav'n's high will. — I charge thee live ;
And to thy utmolt povv'r, proteft from wrong
My helplcfs, friendlefs mother!

L-cuf. With my life

I'll ihield her from each wrong. ---That hope alone
Can tempt me to prolong a hie of woe!

£ 3 Selim.

S4 BARBAROSSA.

Sclim. Oh, my ungovern'd rage ! — To frown on thee !
Thus let me expiate the cruel wrong, [Embracing*

And mingle rapture with the pains of death !

Officer. No more. — Prepare the rack.

Irene* Stand off, ye fiends !

Here will I cling. No pow'r on earth fhali part us
Till I have iav'd my Selim ! [AJbout.

Officer. Hark ! what noifc
Strikes on mine ear ? \_Ajhout.

Stlim. Again !

Aladin* Arm, arm !--Treach'ry and murder \ \Wltkoutm
{Executioners go to feize Selim.

Sfllm. Off, flaves ! — Or I will turn my chains to arms,
And dafti you piece-meal ! — 4 For I have heard a found,

* Which lifts my tow'ring foul to Atlas* height,
fc That I cou'd prop the ikies !'

Enter Aladin.

Jlladin. Where Is the king ?
The foe pours in : * the palace gates are buril :

* The centinels are murdered ! Save the king !
4 They feck him through the palace !'

Officer. Death and ruin !
Follow me, flaves, and fave him.

[Exeunt Officer tfWExecutionevi.

&•///». Now, bloody tyrant ! Now, thy hour is come !

* Irene. What means yon mad'ning tumult ? — Oh,
my fears ! —

' ScllmS Vengeance at length hath pierc'd thefe guilty
And walks her deadly round ! [walls,

Irene. Whom doft thou mean ? my father 3

Selim. * Yes.' Thy father;
Who murder'd mine i

Irene. Is there no room for mercy ?
Oh, Selim, by our love ! — —

Selim. Thy tears are vain !

Vain were thy eloquence, though thou didil plead
With an archangel's tongue I

Irene. Spare but his life !

Sclim. Heav'n knows I pity thee, But he mufl bleed ;
Tho' my own life-blood, nay, tho' thine, more dear,
Shou'd iifue at the wound !

Irene. Mufl he then die !

BARB A ROSS A. 5$

Let me but fee my father, ere he perifli !
Let me but pay my parting duty to him !

[Clajb offaorJs.
Hark!— 'twas the clafh of fwords ! Heav'n lave my

father !

Oh, cruel, cruel Selim ! [Exit Irene.

Selim. Curfe on this fervile chain, that binds me faft,
In pow'rlefs ignominy ; while my fword
ShouM hunt its prey, and cleave the tyrant down !
Othman. Where is the prince ? [Without*

Selim. Here, Othman, — bound * to earth!---
4 Set me but free !' — Oh, curfed, curfed chain !
Enter Othman and Party, ivho free Selim.
Othman. Oh, my brave prince ! — Heav'n favours our
delign. [Embraces him.

Take that ; — I need not bid thee ufe it nobly.

[Giving

Selim. Now, Barbarofla, let my arm meet thine :
'Tis all t alk of heav'n ! * [Exit Selim.

Othman. Guard ye the prince— [Part go out.

Purfue hisftep?. — Now this way let us turn,
And feek the tyrant. [Exeunt Othman, &c,

SCENE changes to the open Palace.

Enter Barbarofla.

Bark. Empire is loft, and life : yet brave revenge
Shall clofe my life in glory.

Enter Othman.
Have I found thee,
Diflembling traitor? — Die ! —

* Othman. Long hath my wifh,

* Pent in my itruggling breaft, been robb'd of utterance*
4 Now valour fcorns the mafk. — I dare thee, tyrant I

' AndarmM withjuftice, thus wou'd meet thy rage,

* Tho' thy red right hand grafp'd the pointed thunder!

* Now, heav'n, decide between us ! \TbeyJigbt*

* Barb. Coward !
4 Qtb. Tyrant !

4 Barb. Traitor !

4 Qtb. Infernal fiend, thy words are fraught with
falfoood :

« To

56 BARBAROSSA.

* To combat crimes like thine, by force or wiles,

4 Is equal glory. [BarbaroiTajfo//.f,

' Barb. I faint! I die!— Oh, horror!'
Enter Selim #WSadi.

Selim. The foe gives way : fure this way went the ftorm.
Where is the tiger fled ! — What do I fee ?

Sadi. Algiers is free !

Oilman. This fabre did the deed I

Selim. I envy thee the blow !---' Yet* valour fcorns
To wound the fallen. — But if life remain,
' I will fpeak daggers to his guilty foul I
Hoa ! Barbaroffal Tyrant ! Murderer !

Barb. Off, ye fiends !

Torment me not !--Oh, Selim, art thou there ! —
Swallow me earth ! * Bury me deep, ye mountains \

* Accurfed be the day that gave me birth !'
Oh, that I ne'er had vvrong'd thee !

Selim. Doit thou then

Repent thee of thy crimes ! — He does ! He does !
He gra'ps my hand ! See the repentant tear
Starts from his eye !---Doil thou indeed repent ?--«
Why then I do forgive thee : * from my foul

* I freely do forgive thee !' And if crimes,
Abhorr'd as thine, dare plead to hea'vn for mercy,—
May heav'n have mercy on thee I

Barb. Gen'rous feeiim ;

Too good,— -I have a daughter ; Oh; protect her I—
Let not my crimes [Dies*

Olbman. There fled the guilty foul !

Selim. Hafte toihe city,— flop the rage of Slaughter.
Tell my brave people, that Algiers is free ;
And tyranny no more. * [Excufit Slavts*

• Sadi. And, to confirm

The glorious tidings, foon as morning (Lines,
Be his dead carcaie drngg'd throughout the city,
A fpeclacle of horror !

* Selim. Curb thy zeal.

Let us be brave, not cruel : nor difgrace
Valour, by barbrous and inhuman deeds.
Black was his guilt : and he hath paid his life,
The forfeit of his crimes. Then fheathe thefword :
Let vengeance die.— Juilice is fatisfy'd.'

Enter

BARBAROSSA, 57

Enter Zaphira.

Zapb. What mean thefe horrors !-- -wherefoe'er I turn
My trembling iteps, I findfome dying wretch,
Welt'ring in gore !— -And doft thou live, iny Selim.

Selim. Lo, where the bloody tyrant breathlefs lies.

* Zapb. The bloody tyrant {lain !

* Oh, righteous Heav'n !

* Sclim. Behold thy valiant friends,

' Whole faith and courage have o'erwhelm'd the pow'r

• Of Burbarofla. Here, once more, thy virtues
4 Shall dignify the throne and blefs thy people.'

Zapb. Juil are thy ways, Oh, Heav'n '—-Vain ter
rors, hence;

Once more Zaphira's bleft:— My virtuous fon,
How fliall I e'er repay thy boundlefs love !
Thus let me fnatch thee to my longing arms,
And on thy bofom weep my griefs away !

Selim. Oh, happy hour!— happy, beyond ' the flight
Ev'n * of my ardent* hope !— Look down, bleft made,
From the bright realms of blifs ! ---Behold thy queen
Unfpotted, unfeduc'd, unmov'd in virtue.
Behold the tyrant proftrate at my feet !
And to the mem'ry of thy bleeding wrongs,
Accept this facrifice !

Zfyh. My generous Selim !

Sclim. Where is Irene ?

Sadi. With looks of wildnefs, and diftrac"ted micna
She fought her father where the tumult rag'd :
Shepafs'dme, while the coward Aladin
Fled from my fword ; and as I cleft him down,
She fainted at the fight.

Otbman. But foon vecover'd ;
Zamor, our trufty friend, at my command,
Convey'd the weeping fair-one to her chamber.

Selim. Thanks to thy generous care :— Come, let us

feek
Th' afflicted maid.

Zapb. Her virtues might atone
For all her father's guilt !— Thy throne be hers :
She merits all thy love.

Sclim. Then hafte, and find her,— O'er her father's
crimes

Pity

5* BARBAROSSA.

Pity fhall draw a veil ; « nay, half abfolve them,*
When flie beholds the virtues of his child !
Now let us thank th' eternal Pow'r : convinc'd,
That Heiv'n but tries our virtue by affliction :
That oft* the cloud which wraps the preient hour,
Serves but to brighien all our future days !

END of the FIFTH ACT,

C 59 1

EPILOGUE.

Written by Mr. GARRICK.

Spoken by Mr. WOODWARD in the Chara&er of a fine
Gentleman.

Enter- --Speak ing to the People without.

T3STIAW! — damn your epilogue — and hold your tongue

Shall we of rank be told what's right and wrong ?
Hadyou ten epilogues you jhou'd- not (peak 'cm,
T hough he had writ 'em all in Linguum <Jr<ecum.
PR do't by all the Gods /-—(you mufl cxcufe me)
Though author, aft or s, audience, all abujc me !

To the Audience.

Behold a gentleman !-—and that's enough ! —
Laugh ifyoupleafe-- -I'll take a pinch offnuff!
I come to tcllyou-—(let it not fiirprife you)
That Vm a iivV — and worthy to advifeyou. — -
How1 could you fuffer that fame country booby,
That prologue -fpeaking fav age, —-that great looby,
To talk his nonfenfe ?---give me leave to fay
'Twas low — damn'd low ! ---but fav'd the fellow's play—
Let the poor devil eat,--~allow him that,
And give a meal to me after, man, and cat.
But why attack thefajhions f — Senfelefe rogue /- —
Mre have no joys but -what refult from vogue :
Tlje mode Jhou'd all contrail — nay, ev'ry pajjion^
Senfe, appetite, and all, givewaytofajhion\
I hate as much as he, a turtle-feajl,
£ut' till the prefcnt turtle-rage has ccaSd,
I'd ride a hundred miles to make my (elf a beajl»
I have no ear$---yet op'ras I adore /•--
Always prepared to die — tojleep — no more?
The ladies too were carp'd at, and their drefs,
He wants 'cm all ruff *d up like good ^/<cen Btfs!

They

[ 60 ]

They are, forfooth, too much expos' d, and free— >

Were more exposed, no ill effcfls I fee,

For more , or lefs, 'tis all the fame to me.

Poor gaming, too, ivas mauFd among the refty

*Ih at precious cordial to a high -life breaft ! «

J'TJjen thoughts arife I always game, or drink^

Jin Englijh gentleman JJjou'd never think —

The rcaforfs plain, which ev'ry foul might hit oti—»

What trims a Frenchman, overfetf a Briton j

In us reflection breeds afober fadnejs,

Which always ends in politics or madnefs •

I therefore now propofe—lyyour command,

Tiiat tragedies no moreJJjall cloud this land ;

Send o'eryour Shaktfpeares to thefons of'france,

Lei them grow grave — Let us begin to dance !

B anijb your gloomy fcenes to foreign climes,

JRe/erve alone to blcfs thefe golden times,

A farce or two— and Woodwards pantomimes !

Mr LEWIS /'/< ///<• f^/ftttficfa t>

/f>/>/\' f>// ffifs/fitHr. V/'W/vvv/ ///.> fiictl ,

"//(>, //'/•/!'/// ,t /s f r "7 ('(///' // .///(', fo •>// "re sf( './/'// f f't/ru\j .

B E L L'S EDITION.

A L Z / R A

A TRAGEDY.
As written ly AARON HILL.

DISTINGUISHING ALSO THE

VARIATIONS OF THE THEATRE,

AS PERFORMED AT THE

al in Cotoit=<£actinT»

Regulated from the Prompt-Book,

By PERMISSION of the MANAGERS,

Ky Mr. WILD, Prompter.

LONDON:
Printed for JOHN BELL, near Exeter-Excbange, in the Strand,

MUCCLXXVIIi

[ 3 1

To his Royal Highnefs

FREDERICK

PRINCE OF

WALES.

S I R,

'"T~VHOUGH a prince is born a patron, yet a benevo-

J[ lent expanlion of his heart gives nobler title to the

homage of the arts, than all the greatnefs of his power

to propagate them. There refpect is, either way, fo

much your Royal Highnefs's unqueftioned due, that he
who alks your leave to offer fuch a duty, calls in queftion
your prerogative, or means to fell his own acknowledg
ments.

They have not marked, with penetration, the distinction
of your fpirit, who dare look upon you as inclofed againft
the accefs of fmcerity. The judgment and humanity of
princes are obfcured by difficulties in approaching them.
Nor can the benefactors of mankind be fo far inconliftent
with themfelves, as to interpofc the obftacles of diitance,
or cold ceremony, between their goodnefs, and our gra
titude.

Allow me, therefore, Sir, the honour to prefent Al-
zira to your patronage : difclaiming, for myfelf, all ex
pectation of your notice. It is juft that I mould give up my
own fmall pretentious : but Mr, de Voltaire brings title
to your Royal Highnefs's regard. The merit of his work
A 2 will

[ 4 ]

will recommend him to your judgment: and the noble
juftice he has done her Majefty's diftinguifhed character,
in his French preface to this tragedy, (himfelf mean
while a foreigner, and writing in a foreign nation) will,
perhaps, delerve the glory of the fen's partiality, in
ienfe of reverence for the royal mother.

It were indeed, feme violation of refpecl: and grati
tude, not to devote Alzira to the hand that honoured
her, in public, with an applaufe fo warm and weighty,
5n her reprefentation on the English theatre. — Here Mr.
de Voltaire enjoyed the triumph due to genius j while
his heroic characters at the fame time, made evident the
force of nature, when it operates upon reiembling qua
lities. — When tragedies are ilrong in fentiment, they will
be touchftones to their hearer's hearts. The narrow and
inhumane will be unattentive, or unmoved; while
princely fpirits, like your Royal Highnefs's, (impelled by
their own confcious tendency) {hew us an example in
their generous fenfibility, how great thoughts fliould be
received by thofe who can think greatly.

Yet, in one ft range circuinfiance, Alzira differed by
the honour of your approbation ; for while the audience
hung their eyesupon your Royal Highnefs's difcerning de
licacy, their joy to fee you warmed by, and applauding
inoft, thofe fentiments which draw their force from love
of pity, and of liberty, became the only palhon they
would feel ; and thereby leflened their attention to the
very fcenes they owed it to.

Can it be poiTible, after fo important a public declaration
in honour of pallion and fentiment, that thisbeft life of the
poet's art, fliould any longer continue to languifh under
general neglect, or indifference ? — No, furely, Sir! —
Your Royal Highnefs, but perfifting to keep reafon and
nature in countenance at the theatres, will univerfally
eftablifh what you fo generoufly and openly avow. For,
if where men love, they will imitate, your example muft
be copied by millions ; till the influence of your attrac
tion fhall have planted your tafte ; and overfpread three
kingdoms with laurels.

It may at prefent perhaps, be a fruitlefs, but it can
never be an irrational wifh, that a theatre entirely new,
(if not rather the old ones new-modelled) profefling only

what

[ . S 3

what is ferious and manly, and facred to the interefts of
wifdom and virtue, might arife under fome powerful and
popular protection, fuch as that of your Royal High-
neis's diftinguifhed countenance! — To what probable
lengths of improvement would not fuch a fpur provoke
genius ! — Or, fhouid it fail to do that, it would make
manifeft, at leaft, that rather wit is wanting than en
couragement; and that thefe opprobrious excrefcencies
of our ftage, which, under the difguife of entertain
ments, have defamed and infulted a people, had a meaner
derivation, than from the hope of delighting our princes.

It has been a misfortune to poetry, in this nation, that
it was too fuperciliouily under-rated; and, to acknow
ledge truth on both fides, for the rnoft part practifed too
lightly. — But by thofe who confider it according to the
demands of its character, it will be found in titled, be
yond many other arts, to the political affection of princes :
being more perfuafive in its nature than rhetoric ; and
more comprehenlive and animating than hiftory. — For
while hiilory but waits on fortune with a little too fervile
a reftriclion, poetry corrects and commands her: — be-
caufe, rectifying the obliquity of natural events, by a
more equitable formation of rational ones, the poet, as
lord Bacon very finely and truly obferves, inftead of con-
ftraining the mind to fuccefl'es, adapts and calls out events
to the meafures of reafon and virtue ; maintaining Pro
vidence triumphant againft the oppositions of nature and
accident.

And ftill more to diftinguifh his fuperiority over the
gay profe-fabricks of imagination, the poet, as a re-in-
forcement to his creative vivacity of invention, fuperadds
the attraction of harmony ; and then pours through the
whole an irrefiftible fire of enthufiafm, wherewith to raife
and to govern the paiTions.

Dramatic poetry, in this bold purpofe, acts with mofl
immediate and manifeit confequence ; becaufe afTembling
together all that animates, invites, or inforces, it works
with incredible influence upon the fpirits and paffions of a
people, after they have been refined and induced to its

reliih. It does this, in foconfelTcd a degree, that our

great philofopher abovenamed, undertaking, in his De

Augmentis Scimtiftrum^ profeiFedly to confider its preva-

A 3 lence.

[ 6 ]

lence, beautifully calls it the bow of the mind ; as if, to
exprefs it more clearly, he had faid, the ihge is an
inftrumcnt in the hands of the poet, as capable of giving
modulation and tone to the heart, as the bow to the vio
lin in the hands of a mufician.

There is another advantage in poetry, which fHll fur
ther intitles it to the protection of princes, who are lovei?,
like your Royal Highnefs, of ages, which are only to hear
of them. Other arts have fome fingle and limited effect ;
but the creations of poetry have a power to multiply
their fpecies in new and emulative fucceffions of virtue
and heroiim ; the feeds, as it were, of thofe paffions
which produce noble qualities, being fown in all poems
of genius.

If fuch delirable effects are now lefs common than
anciently, it is only becaufe fometimes tuneful emptinefs
is miftaken for poetry ; and fometimes calm, cold fenfe
conveyed in unpaifionate metre ; whereas poetry has no
element but paffion : and therefore rhyme, turn, and
meafure, are but iiuitlefs affectations, where a fpirit is
not found that conveys the heat and enthuiiafm. The
poet, to fay in all in a word, who can be read without
excitement of the moil paffionate emotions in the heart,
having been bufiiy lofing his pains, like a fmith who
would fafhion cold iron : he has the regular return in the
defcent of the ilrokes, the inngnificant jingle in the ring
of the found, and the hammering delight in the labour ;
but he has neither the penetration, the glow, nor the
fparkling.

When in fome unbending moments your Royal High-
jiefs (hail reflect, perhaps, on the moil likely meafures
for dimimihing our pretences to poetry, yet augmenting
its efTcntial growth, how kind wou'd heaven be to the
legit. ,nate friends of the mufes, fhould it, at thofe times,
\vhifper in your ear, that no art ever flouriflied in mo
narchies till the favour of the court made it fafhionable !

O i my own part, I have little to fay, worth the honour
of your Royal Highnefs's notice ; being no more than
an humble foiicitor, for an event I have nothing to hope
from. Not that I prefume to reprefent myfelf as too
lioical to feel the advantage of ditHn6tion. I am only too
bufy to be difpofed for purfuing it ; ^having renounced

the

[ 7 1

the world, without quitting it ; that, Handing afiile in an
uncrowded corner, I might efcape being hurried along
in the dull of the (how, and quietly lee, and ccniider
the whole as it pavTes ; inilead of acting a part in it ; and
that, perhaps, but a poor one.

In a fituation fo calm and untroubled, there arifes a
falutary habitude- of fuppofing diftin6tiori to be lodged in
the mind, and ambition in the ufe and command of the
faculties. Such a choice may be filent, but not inactive :
nay, I am afraid, he who makes it, is but a concealed
kind of Epicure, notwithftanding his pretences to for
bearance and philofophy : tor while he partakes, in full
relifli, all the naked enjoyments of life, he throws no
thing of it away, but its falfe face and its prejudices.
He takes care to live at peace in the very centre of ma
lice and faction ; for, viewing greatnefs without hope,
he views it alfo without envy.

Upon the whole, though there may be a fufpicion of
fomething tco felfifh in this perfonal fyilein of liberty, it
will free a man in a moment from all thole byaffing par
tialities which hang their dead weight upon judgment;
and leave him as diiintereiled a fpectator of the virtues
or vices of cotemporary greatnefs, as of that which
hiltory has tranfmitted to him from times he had nothing
to do with. I am, therefore, fure, it is no flattery,
when I congratulate your Royal Highnefs on the humane
glories of your future reign, and thank you for a thoufand
bieifings I expert not to partake of.

I am,
With a profound refpecl,

SIR,

Your Royal Ilignnefs's
Molt obedient and

Moft humble fervant,

A. HILL.
EPI-

[ 9 ]
PROLOGUE.

ame raw padd*kr from the, waded Jliorc.
Firft dares the deefiningftr earn , and ventures <?Vr,
Light on bis floating cork the wave hejkims^
^IfiJ, Canton in hisfafety^ thinks hefwims.
So jball Aizira s fame our faults protccl,
slnd from your cenfurc fcrecn each fear* d defect .
For JJiou'd we aft, unfkiU'd^ the player's parts ,

Hre aci fuch fcencs as force us to your hearts,

}'lrhat floods of tears a neigVring landfawjlovj)

When a whole people wept Ahira's woe !

The Iwelieft eyes of France , in one pleased night,

Twice charm' J, rene<w>d, and lengthened out delight.

Twice charm' d, reviewed the fad, the melting ft 'rain ,

2^7, hung infiitiatc, on the willing pain !

Thrice thirty days, all Parisjigb'dforfenfe !

Tumblers fiood ft ill — and thought — in wit's defence ;

jfeV/? power despotic felt, how wrongs ca-n move ;

And nolJy wept for liberty and love.

Can it be feared then, that our generous land,

W^herejuftice blooms, andieafon holds command;

This foil of fcicnce ! where bold, truth is taught,

This feat of freedom, and this throne of thought i

Can pour applaufe on foreign fong and .*ince^

¥et leave the praife offolidfcnfe to France :

No — That's impojjitte — 'tis Britain'' s claim,

To hold no fecond place in tajle or fame*

In arts and arms al:ke victorious known,

Whatever deferves her choice ff^c makes her own.

"Nor let the confcious power of Englt/b wit

Lcfsfecl the force, becaitfe a Frenchman writ.

Reafon andfcntimenf, like air and fight,

Hrhere-cvcr found, are Nature's common right.

Since the fame fun gives nor then dimes their day,

After the eajl has fir/I receiv'd itsray,

Wljy Jhould eur pride repel the Mufe'sfm!le9

Becaufe it dawn'd not fit fi upon cur ifle ?

Fraternal a>'t adapts each alien fame ;

The wife and brave are cvc>y where the fame 9

From hojlilefentimcnts let difcordjlow ;

But they who think like friends, Jhould have no foe. •

DRA-

DRAMATIS PERSONS.

M E N.

Covent-Gardcn,

Don Carlos, governor of Peru, for

theSj>anirds9 • Mr. Wright.

Don Alvarez, father of Don Carlos,

and former governor, Mr, Giftbrd.

Zamor, Indian Ibvcreign of one part

of the country, — — Mr. Lewis.

JEztMotiti Indian fovereign of another

part, . . Mr. Havard,

WOMEN.

.///a/rrf, daughter of Ezmont, — Mrs. Giffard.

£mira, /,-, . >

„ , '. } Aizira s women,

Lcpbama, J

SpaniJJ} and American Captains and Soldiers.
SCENE, in the City of LIMA.

ALZIRA.

A L Z I R A.

ACT I.

Don Alvarez and Don Carlos.

ALVAREZ.

AT length the council partial to my prayer,
Has to a ion, I love, transferr'd my power.
Carlos, rule happy ; be a viceroy long ;
Long for thy prince, and for thy God, maintain
This younger, richer, lovelier, half the globe;
Too fruitful, heretofore, in wrongs and blood ;
Crimes the lamented growths of powerful gold !
Safe to thy abler hand devolve, refignM,
Thofe fovereign honours which opprefs'd my years.
And dimm'd the feeble lamp of wafted age.
Yet had it long, and not unufeful, flam'd.
I firit o'er wond'ring Mexico in arms
March'd the new horrors of a world unknown!
I fteer'd the floating towers of fearlefs Spain
Through the plow'd bofom of an untried fea.
Too happy had my labours been fo blefs'd,
To change my brave aflbciate's rugged fouls,
And foften ftubborn heroes into men.
Their cruelties, my fon, eclips'd their glory :
And I have wept a conqu'ror's fplendid iliame.
Whom heaven not better made, and yet made great.
Wearied at length, I reach my life's latl verge j
Where I iliall peaceful veil my eyes in reft ;
If ere they clofe, they but behold my Carlos
Ruling Potofi's realm by Chriftian laws,
And making gold more rich by gifts from heav'n.

D. Carlos. Taught and fupported by your great exam-

I learnt beneath your eye to conquer realms, [pie,

3 Which

12 A L Z I R A.

Which by your counfels I may learn to govern ;
Giving thole laws I firft receive from you.

Alvarez. Not fo. — Divided power is power difarm'd.
Outworn by labour, and decay'd by time,
Pomp is no more my wiih. Enough for me
That heard in council age may temper rafhnefs.
Truft me, mankind but ill rewards the pains

Of over-prompt ambition Tis now time

To give my long* neglected God thole hours,
Which clofe the languid period of my days.
One only gift I aik ; refufe not that j
As friend I aik it ; and as father claim.
Pardon thofe poor Americans, condemn'd
For wand'ring hither, and this morning feiz'd,
To my difpofal give 'em kindly up,
That liberty, unhop'd, may charm the more.
A day like this fliould merit furies from all ;
And mercy, foft'ning juftice, mark it blefs'd.

D. Carlos. Sir, all that fathers aik, they mull command.
Yet condefcend to recollect how far
This pity, undeferv'd, might hazard all.
In infant towns like ours, methinks 'iwere fare
Not to familarize thefe favage fpies.
If we accuftom foes to look too near,
We teach 'tin, at our coft, to llight thofe fwords
They once flew trembling from, whene'er they faw.
Frowning revenge, and awe of diftant dread,
Notfmiling friendihip, tames thefe fullen fouls.
The fow'r American, unbroke, and wild,
Spurns with indignant rage, and bites his chain,
Humble when punifh'd ; if regarded, fierce.
Power iickens by forbearance : rigid men,
Who feel not pity's pangs, are be ft obey'd.
Spaniards, 'tis true, are rul'd by honour's l<uv,
Submit unmurm'ring, and unforc'd go right.
But other nations ;;re impell'u by fear,
And mu ft be rein 'd, and ipurr'd, with hard control!.
The gods themfelves in this ferocious clime,
Till they look grim with blood, excite no dread.

Alvarez. Away, my fon, with thefe detefted fcheines !
Perifa fuch politic reproach of rule !
Are we made captains in our Maker's caufe,

O'er

A L Z I R A. 13

O'er thefe new ChritKans call'd to flretch his name,

His peaceful name ! and fhall we, unprovoked,

Bear murders, which our holy cheats prefume

To mifpronounce his injur'd altar's due !

Shall we difpeople realms, and kill to fave !

Such if the fruits of Spain's religious care,

I, from the diihint hounds of our old world,

Have to this new one flretch'd a Saviour's name,

To make it hateful to one half the globe,

Becaufe no mercy grac'd the other's zeal.

No, my mifguided Carlos, the broad eye

Of one Creator takes in all mankind :

His laws expand the heart ; and we, who thus

Wou'd by deitrue"Kon propagate belief,

And mix with blood and gold religion's growth,

Stamp in thefe Indian's honeft breads a fcorn

Of all we teach, from what they lee we do.

2). Car/os. Yet the learned props of our unerring churcft,
Whom zeal for fa v ing fouls deprives of reft,
Taught my late youth, committed to their care,
That ignorance, averfe, muft be compell'd.

Al-u. Our prieiis are all for vengeance, force, and Hrc :
And only in his thunder act their God.
Hence we it-em thieves ; and what we feem we are.
Spain has robb'd every growth of this new world,
Even to its favage nature ! — Vain, unjuit,
Proud, cruel, covetous, we, we alone,
Are the barbarians here ! — An Indian heart
Equals, in courage, the moil prompt of ours,
But in fitnplicity of artlefs truth,
And every honeil: native warmth, excells us.
Had they, like us, been bloody ; had they not
By pity's power been mov'd, and virtue's love,
Iso fon of mine had heard a rather, now
Reprove his erring rafhnefs. — You forget,
That when a pris'ner in thefe people's hands,
Gall'd and provok'd by cruelty and wrongs,
While my brave followers fell on every fide,
Till lalonefurviv'd, fome Indians knew me,
Knew me, and fuddenly pronounc'd my name.
At once they threw their weapons to the ground,
And a young favage chief, whom yet I know nor,

B G race-

H A L Z I Pv A.

Graceful approach'd, and, kneeling, prefs'd my knees.

Alvarez, is it you, he cry'd — Live long !

Ours be your virtue, but not ours your blood !

Live, and inftrud: oppreflbrs to be lov'd.

Bk£>'d be thofe tears, my Ton ! — I think you weep*

Joy to your foft'ning foul ! Humanity

Has power, in nature's right, beyond a father.

But trom what motive fprung this late decline

From clemency of heart to new-born rigour ?

Had you been always cruel, with what brow

Cou'd you have hop'd to. charm the lov'd Alzira ?

Heireis to realms, difpeopled by your fword f

And though your captive, yet your conqu'ror too.

Trull: me,— with women worth the being won,

The fofteil lover ever belt fucceeds.

D. Carlos. Sir, I obey : your pleafure breaks their
Yet 'tis their duty to embrace our faith : [chains j

So runs the king's command. To merit life,

Quit they their idol worfhip, and be free.

So thrives religion, and compels the blind ;

So draws our holy altar fouls by force,

Till oppofidon dies, andlleeps in peace;

So links a govern'd world in faith's ftrong chain ;

And but one monarch ferves, and but one God.

Ah. Hear me, my fon. — That crown'd in this new
Religion may erect her holy throne, [world,

Is what, with ardent zeal, my foul deiires ;
Let Heaven and Spain find here no future foe !
Yet ne'er did persecution's offspring thrive :
For the forc'd heart, fubmitting, ftill refills.
Reafon gains all men by compelling none.
Mercy was always Heaven's dillinguilVd mark ;
And he who bears it not, has no friend there.

D. Carlos. Your reafons, like your arms, are fure to
I am in ilrucled and ennobled by them ! [conquer.

Indulgent virtue dwells in all you fay,
And lot tens, while you fpeak, the liil'ning foul !
Since Heaven has blefs'd you with this powerful gift,
To breathe perfuafion and uncharm refolves,
Pronounce me favour'd, and you make me fo.
Warm my Alzira's coldnefs ; dry her tears ;
And teach her to be mine. — I bve that maid,

4 Spite

A L Z I R A. T$

Spite of my pride ! blufli at it but llill love her !

Yet will I neVr, tofooth unyielding (corn,

Unman the foldier in the lovei's caufe.

I cannot Hoop to fan a hopclefs flame,

And be in vain her {lave. — Yon, Sir, might aid me :

You can do all th'mjca with Alxira's father.

Bid him command his daughter to be kind :

Bid him - But whither would my love miflead me !

Forgive the blind prefumption of a hope,

That to my int'reft (loops my father's rank ;

And fen Js him beggar to an Indian's dcor !

Alv, 'Tis done already. I have urg'd it to him.
Ezmont has mov'd his daughter in your caufe.
Wait the prep;ir*d event. Heaven has been kind ;
Since thefe illuftricus captives both are Chriibans ;
E/mout my convert, and his daughter his.
Ahira governs a whole people's minds ;
Each watchful Indian reads her ftudicd eye,
And to her filent heart conforms his own.
Your marriage fhall unite two diftant worlds :
For when the ftern jepiner at our law
Sees in your arms the daughter of his king,
With humbler fpirit, and with heart lefs fierce,
His willing neck fhall court the yoke1 he fcorn'd.
But look, where Ezmont comes ! — Retire, my fon ;
And leave me to complete the tafk begun. [Exit D. Car*

Rntcr Ezmont.

Welcome, my friend; your council, or command,
Has left, I hope, Alzira well refolv'd.

Ezm. Great father of the friendlefs ! — Pardon yet,
If one, whofe fword feem'd fatal to her race,
Keeps her heart cold, with fome remains of horror,
We move with ling'ring fteps to thofe we fear.
But prejudice will fly before your vo-icer
Whofe winning manners confecrate your laws.
To you who gave us heaven, our earth is due.
Yours our new being, our enlightened fouls ;
Spain may hold realms by purchafe of her fword ;
And worlds may yield to power — but we to virtue.
Your bloody nation's unfuccceding pride
Had made their God difguftful as their crimes !
We fuw him hateful in their murd'rous zeal^

B 2 But

16 A L Z I R A.

But lov'd him in your mercy. — From your heart
His influence ftream'd accepted ; and my crown,
My daughter, and my foul, became your (laves.
Father alike of Carlos and of me,
I give him my Alzira for your fake ;
And with her all Potofi and Peru.
Summon the reverend choir ; prepare the rites ;
And trufl my promife for my daughter's will.

Mi>. Blefs'd be the long-wifh'd found !— This great

work pail,

3 fhall go down in peace, and hail my grave.
Oh, thou great leader ! whofe almighty hand
Drew the dark veil afide that hid new worlds ;
Smile on this union, which, confirmed by thee,
Shall in one empire grafp the circled globe,
And talk the fun's whole round to meafure Spain !
Kzmont, farewel, — I goto greet my ion,
With welcome news, how much he owes my friend.

[Ahne.~\ Thou, namelefs Power, unequalled and

alone !

Whofe dreadful vengeance overwhelm'd, at once,
My country, and her gods, too weak to fave !
Protert ivy failing years from new diftrefs.
i\( bb'd ot my all : but this one daughter left me :
Oh, guard her heart, and guide her to be blefs'd !

Enter Alzira.

Daughter, be happy, while good-fortune courts thecj
And in thy blcfiing chear thy country's hope.
Protect the vancjuifh'd : rule the victor's will ;
Seize the bent thunder in his lifted hand ;
And from defpair's low fear, remount u rhr«sne,
Lend the lovM public thy rcluftant heart;
And in the joy ot millions find thy own.
Nay, do not weep, Alzira: tears will now
Seem infults, ant: reproach thy father's care.

Alz. Sir, my whole foul, devoted, feels your power.
Yet, if Alzira1 s pe^ce was ever dear,
Shut not your ear to my defpairing grief;
Bur, in my nuptials, read my certain doom.

Ezm. Urge it no more : it is an ill-titn'd forrow.
Away ! 1 had thy kind confent before.

Alzt No,— you compeli'd the frightful facrifice :

Ami,

A L 2 I R A. *t

And, ah, remorfelefs heaven ! — at what a time !'
When the rais'd fwordof this all-murd'ring lover
Hangs o'er my people heads with threatening fway,
To itrikethe trembling remnant from my fight,
And mark my nuptial day a day of death !
Omens on omens have pronounc'd itcurs'd.

Ezm. Quit thefe vain fears, thefe iuperititious dreams
Of unconfiding ignorance ! What day ?
What omens ? — We ourtclves, who chufe our afts,
Make our own clays, or happy, or accurs'd.

Alz. 'Twas on this day, the pride of all our ftate,
Zamor the great, the warlike Zamor fell ;
Zamor, my lover, and your purposed fon.

EZM. Zamor was brave ; and I have mourn'd his fall,
But the cold grave diilblves ev'n lovers' vows.
Bear to the altar then a heart refolv'd :
And let thy fummonM virtue check thy weaknefs.
Was not thy foul enroll'd a Chriilian lately ?
The awe ful Power that lent thofe Chriitians name,
Spe?ks in my voice ; commands thee to be won.
Hear him ; and learn obedience to his will.

Alz. Alas, my rather ! fpare this dreadful ze.il.
Has not the parent fpoke ? \\ hy fpeaks the God ?
I know, and I confefs, a father's power ;
At his command to facrifice the life
He gave me, is a duty nature taught.
But my obedience pa lies nature's bounds ;
Whate'er I fee, is with my father's eye? ;
Whate'er I love, is for my father's lake ;
I chang'd my very gods, and took my hither? :
Yet has this father, piouily fevcre,
Wrong'd my believing weaknefs, and undone me»
He toid me to compofe my troubled heart,
Peace held her dwelling at the altar's foot.
He told me, that religion cur'd defpair,
^nd fotten'd every pang that pierc'd the foul :
But, ah, 'twas all deceit ! all dear deluiion !
Mix'd with the image of an awful God,
A human image ftruggles in my heart,
And checks my willing virtue in its riling.
Zamor, though dead to nature, lives to love.
Zamor {till triumphs in Al/.ira's breall,

B 3 LOK!

i« A L Z I R A.

Lord of her foul, and holds back all her wifhes.

You frown. — Alas, you blame a guilt you caus'd.

Quench then this flame, too hard for death and time;

And force me to be his whom mod I hate.

If my lov'd country bids, I mult obey.

Yet, while by force you join unlbcial hands,

Tremble whene'er you drag me to the altar,

Tremble to hear my tongue deceive my God :

To hear me to this hated tyrant vow

A heart, that beats, unchang'd, another's due.

Ez;/*. Alas, my child, what unweigh'd words are thefe !
Pity my age, unfit for lengthening woes :
Nature afks reft : pity thefe falling tears.
By all our fates, that all depend on thee,
Let me conjure thee to be blefs'd thyfelf,
Nor clofe in milery my life's lull: fcene.
Why do I live, but to redeem thy hopes ?
For thy own fake, not mine, affift my care.
Blail not the ripening profpecl: of thy peace,
Hard, and with labour'd patience, flowly grown.
Now, on thy inftant choice, depends thy fate 1
Nor only thine, but a whole people's fate !
"Wilt thou betray them ? Have they other help ?
Have they a hope, but thee ? — Think, think, Alzira ;
And nobly lofe thyfelf to fave a ftate. [Exit*

Alz,. Cruel accomplishment ! fublime defeat !
So feign we virtues to become a throne,
Till public duty drowns our private truth.
Enter Don Carlos.

D. Carlos. Princefs, you give a lover caufe to doubt^
That this long labour of your How content
Springs from a heart too cold to feel his flame.
While, for your fake, fufpended law forbears
To punifh rebels, whom you wifhto{live,
Lrngnitetul, you compel a nation's freedom,
And bind, in recompence, my chains more clofe !
Yet misconceive me not. — I would not owe
A foftened fentiment to having ferv'd you ;
That were to bribe a heart my pride wou'd win.
I fhou'd with mingled joy and bluihes gain you,
If, as my percjuiiite of power you fell.

Let me attract, not force you. 1 would owe you,

Ail

A L Z I R A. 19

All to yourfelf ; nor could I tafte a joy,
That, in your giving it, might cofl you pain.

Alx. Join, Sir, my fruitless prayers to angry Heav'n !
This dreadful day comes charg'd with pains for both,
—No wonder you detect my troubled foul :
It burils unveii'd from my difclofing eyes,
And glows on every feature's honeft air.
Such is the plainnefs of an Indian heart,
That it difdains to fculk-behind the tongue ;
But throws out all its wrongs, and all its rage.
She who can hide her purpole, can betray ;
And that's a Chriftian virtue I've not learnt.

D. Car. I love your franknefs, but reproach its caufe,
Zamor, remember'd Zamor fpeaks in this.
With hatred ftretch'd beyond th' extent of life,
He croiles from the tomb, his conq'ror's will ;
And felt through death revenge's rival love.
Ceafe to complain, and you may learn to bear.
My fame, your duty, both require a change ;
And I mud wifli it were from tears to joy.

Alt* A rival's grave fhould bury jealoufy.
But whence your right to cenfure ibrrow for him ?
I lov'd him ; I proclaim it. Had I not,
I had been blind to fenfe, and loft to reafon.
Zamor was all the prop of our fallen world :
And, but he lov'd me much, confefs'd no weaknefs !
Had I not mourn'd a fate he not deferv'd,
I had deferv'd the fate he felt unjuftly.
For you, — be proud no more ; but dare be honeft.
Far from prefumhig to reproach my tears,
Honour my conftancy, andpraife my virtue :
Ceafe to regret the dues I pay the dead ;
And merit, if you can, a heart thus faithful. [Exit*

D. Car. [Alone.} Spite of my fruitlefspaflion, I confefs,
Her pride, thus flarting itsfinceredifdain,
Aftoniflies my thought, and charms my anger.
— What then fhall I refolve ? — Muft it coft more
To tame one female heart than all Peru !
Nature, adapting her to fuit her climate,
Left her all favage, yet all fhining too !
But 'tis my duty to be mafler here :

Where

2o A L Z I R A.

Where, ihe alone excepted, all obey.
Since then too faintly I her heart incline,
I'll force her ttubborn hand, and fix her mine.

END of the FIRST ACT.

ACT II.

Zamor, and four Indian Captains^ in Chains,

ZAMOR.

FRIENDS, who have darM beyond the itrength of
mortals ;

Whofe courage fcorn'd reftraint, and grew in danger;
Ailbciates in my hopes and my misfortunes !
Since we have loft our vengeance, let death find us !
Why fhould we longer becondemn'd to lite,
Defenceleis to our country and Alzira ?
Yet why mould Spanifh. Carlos 'fcupe our fwords ?
Why thrive beneath a weight of unchecked crimes ?
And why has Heaven iorfaken us and virtue ?
Ye ftrengthlefs powers ! whofe altars imoak'd in vain I
Gods of a faithful, yet a cheated people !
Why have you thus betmy'd us to the fee ?
Why had fix hundred Spanifh vagrants power
To crufh my throne, your temples, rites, and you?
Where are your altars ? where my glories now ?
Where .is Alzira? more herfelf a god,
Than your collected queens of fancied heaven !
Helplefs once more thou feeil me, — loft Peru !
O'er fhifting lands, through defarts, crofs'd in vain,
From foreft wilds, impervious to the fun ;
From the world's waftes, beneath the burning zone,
I brought thee unhop'd aid ! the wond'ring ftars
Beheld me. gathering from remoteft wilds,
New ftrength, new profpe&s, and new means to die !
Your arms, your furtherance, your vaft fupporr,
New-iurniih'd my defire?, anu wing'd my hope.
Vengeance and love once more had mann'd my heart.
But, ah, how vain that hope ! how loft that vengeance !
The Haves of avarice are honour's matters !

A L 'Z I R A, 21

InJ. Capt. Why left we in the neighb'ring woods our

forces ?

Why darM we pafs too bold their guarded gates,
Alone, and unfupported, — rafli difcoverers ?

Zam. Seiz'd but this morning from our dungeon's
Th' infernal murderers have hither brought us, [depth,
Unknowing to what death, though fure to die.
Yet it o'erjoys me, we have met once more.
But where ? what place is this r Has none yet heard
Who governs here? what fate Alzira found?
Whether her father is, like us, their (lave ?
Dear, wretched friends, who fliarea death, my due,
Can none inftrucl: me what I wi(h to know ?

Lid. Cap. From fcp'rate priibns hither led, like you,
Through diff Vent flreets we came, the caufe not known :
All uninlbrrn'd of what you feek to learn.
Great, but unhappy prince ! deferving long
A nobler fate ! our lilent fouls lament
Our want of power to fave fo lov'd a leader.
Now to die with you is our nobleli claim,
Since to die for you was a choice denied us.

Zam. Next the wifh'd glory of fuccefs in war,
The greateft is to die, and die renown'd.
But to die notelefs, in the fhameful dark,
To die, and leave in chains our 1 Wring country !
To fall, undignified, by villains' hands ;
The facrifice of Europe's outcatt bloodhounds !
Horrid with others wounds, and poorly rich,
With others plunder'd treafure ; die by butchers !
Blood-ftain'd infulters of a yielded world ?
Killers, who gave me up to tire their tortures,
But tor difcovery of the gold I fcorn'd,
As drofs, lefs valued, and lefs wifh'd than they !
To be in death the caufe of my friend's dying !
To die, and leave Alzira to my murderers !
This is a death of horror, not of fame !
This is the body's death — but fhakes the foul !

Enter Alvarez, with a guard /;/' Spaniards.
Live, and be free.

[Spimiih Soldiers unfetter the IndianSt

Zam. Ye gods of loft Peru !

What do I hear ! laid he, Be free, and live ?

What

22 A L Z I R A.

What raft myfterious accident of virtue ?
Some power divine, in fporr, deceives my wonder !
Thou feeiii'il a Spaniard ! — and — but thou forgiveir,
I cou'd have fworn thee Chrifiian !--Who ? "what art thou ?
Art thou Come god ? or this new city's king ?

Alfv, Chrifiian I am ; and Spaniard : but no king.
Yet ferves my power to fave the weak, dittrefs'd. [der !

Zam. \\7hat thy diilinction then ? thou gen'rous won-

Alv* The love of pity, when the wretched want it.

Zam. Pity! and Chriilian !— -what infpir'd thy great-

j4lv. My memory, my duty, and my God. [nefs ?

Zam. Thy God .'--perhaps then, thele iniatiate wallers,
Thefe human ieemers, with but forms of men ;
Theie thirilers after only gold and blood ;
From ibme coarfe, lawlefs part of Europe came ;
And ferve iome bloodier God that wars with thine ?

A to. Their faith the fame with mine, but not their

nature :

Chriftians by birth, by error, made unchriftian,
In power grown giddy, they difgrace command.
Thou know'il their faults too well : now, know my duty.
Twice has the fun's broad traverfe girt the globe,
Twice wheel'd the fummer round your world and ours,,
Since a brave Indian, native of your land,
To whom furprize in ambufh made me captive,
Gave me the forfeit life his fword had won.
«The unexpected mercy forc'd my blufhes :
For, I perceiv'd, companion of your wees,
Was but a duty, when I thought 'twas virtue.
Thenceforth, your countrymen became my brothers ;
And I have now but one complaint againfl them ;
—That I mufl never know his name who fav'd me.

Zam. He has Alvarez's voice ! He has his features !
His age the fame too ; and the fame his ilory-1
'Tis he ! — there is no other honeft Chrifiian.
Look on us all ; and recollect his face,
Who wifely fpar'd thy life to fpread thy virtues.

Alv. Come nearer, noble youth. ---By Heaven, 'tis he 5
Now, my dim eyes, you teach me my decay,
That cou'd not let me fee my wiih indulg'd,

But clouded ev'n my gratitude ! My fon !

My benefactor ! Saviour of my age !

What can I do ! Inftruct me to defervc thee,

Dwell

A L Z I R A. 1$

Dwell in my fight ; and I will be thy father.

Thou wilt have loit the merit of thy gift,

If, from the power it gave, thou claim'ir. no payment*

Zam. Ti uft me, my father, had thy Spanifh fons
Shewn but a glimmYing of thy awful virtue,
Grateful Peru, now delblately, theirs,
Had been a peopled world of willing flaves.
But cruelty, and pride, and plunder, claim them.
Rather than live among that felon race,
Hide, hide me, filent death ; and fcreen my foul
From the relieflefs rage of untelt curfes.
All I wou'd aik , all I will take from Spain,
Is but to be inform'd, if Ezmont lives ?
Or, has his blood iiew-ilainM their hands with murder? •
Kzmont ?---perhaps you knew him not ?---ThatEzmont,

Who was Al/.ira's father? 1 mull flop,

And weep before I dare go on, to aik

Whether that father, — ; — and that daughter---live ?

Alv. Hide not thy tears : weepbo!dly---and be proud
To give the flowing virtue manly way ;
'Tis nature's mark to know an honeft heart by.
Shame on thofe breads ol" ftone, that cannot melt,
In loft adoption of another's ibrrow.
But be thou comforted; for both thy friends
7-^ive, and are happy here.

Zam. Andihalll fee 'em ?

Ak\ Ezmont, within this hour, IhaU teach his friend
To live, and hope---and be as bleiVd as he.

Zam, Alzira's Kxmont?

Alv. From his mouth, not 'mine,
Thou flialr, this moment, learn whatever thou feek'il.
He (hall intlrucl thee in a f.niling charge,
That has united Spain with fav'd Peru.
I have a fon to blefs with this new joy :
He will partake my happinefs, and love thee.

I quit thee, but will inftantly return

To charm thee with this union's happy itory,

That nothing now on earth has power to fever - *

Yet, which once clos'd, fliall quiet warring worlds.

[jK^/V, rivV/6 G-uarJs.

Zain. At length, th' awak'ning gods remember Zamor,
And to atone my wrongs by working wonders,

Have

n A L Z I R A.

Have made a Spaniard honeil: to reward me !

Alvarez is himfelf the Chriftians* God ;

Who long provok'd, and blufhing at their crimes,

In his own right defcends, to veil their fluune.

He fays, he has a fon ; that fon fhall be

My brother, if, at leail, he does but prove

Worthy, (cou'd man be fo) of fuch a father !

Oh, day ! Oh, dawn of hope, on my fad heart !

Ezmont, now, after three long years of woe,

Ezmont, Alzira's father, is reftor'd me !

Alzira too, the dear, the gen'rous maid,

She, whom my fighing foul has been at work for ?

She, who has made me brave, and left me wretched !

Alzira too is here ! and lives to thank me.
Enter Ezmont.

Oh, ye profufe rewarders of my pain !

He comes ! my Ezmont comes ! — Spring of my hopes,

Thou father of my lab'ring mind's infpirer !

Hard let me prefs thee to a heart that loves thee.

Efcap'd from death, behold returning Zamor.

He will not, cannot die, while there is hope,

That he may live to ferve a fuff 'ring friend.

Speak, fpeak ; and be thy 'firil foft word Alzira !

Say, flie is here ; and blefs'd, as Heaven can make her.
Ezm. Unhappy prince !-— She lives; nor lives remote.

Words cannot reach defcription of her grief,
Since fir ft the news of thy fad death was brought her.
Long dwelt ihe, forrowing, o'er an empty tomb,
Which, for thy fancied form, (lie rais'd to weepon.
But thou flill liv'ft ! ---amazing chance !---thou liv'il !
Heav'n grant fome doubtful means to blefs thee tan^,

And make thy life as happy as 'tis ft range !

- What brought thee hither, Zamor?
Zam. Cruel queiVion !

Colder than all the deaths I have efcap'd from !
Why doll thou afk ? Where elfe cou'd I have hop'd
To find, and to redeem thyfelf and daughter ?
JSzm. Say that no more — 'tis mifery to hear thee.
Zatn. Bethink thee ot the black, the direful day,
When that vile Spaniard, Carlos, curfe the name !
Invulnerable, or tofword or {hame,
O'erturn'd thofe wall?, which time, when'young, fawbuilt,

By

A L Z I R A. 2

By earth attracted, children of the fun.
Perifh his name ! and, Oh, be curs'd my fate,
Who yet no nearer brought him than to thought,
In horror of his murders ! 'Tvvas the wretch,
Who bears that name of Carlos, blaited all.
'Twas in that name, pillage and {laughter fpread !
'Twas in that name, they dragg'd Alzira from me;
Buried in duft the temples of our gods;
And ftain'd with the furrounding ofY'rer's blood,
Their violated altars ! The ihock'd pow'r,
That fmil'd expectant on our marriage vow,
Rulh'd back, and prefs'din vain his brother gods,

To vindicate their empire. Spain's dark power

Frevail'd ; and I was captive led to Carlos.
I will not terrify thy pitying breaft,
J will not tell thee, to what tort'ring pain,
That villain Spaniard's avarice condemn'd me.
Condemn'd me, Ezmont, for the fake of gold !
Gold, the divinity of beggar Spain ;

And our neglected refufe ! — 'Tis enough,

To tell thee, that a mid ft their tortures left,
And feeming dead, the/, tir'd, not fatisfied,

Forbore, becaufe I felt not. 1 reviv'd,

To feel, once more, but never to forger,

The grindings of their infult. Three long years

Have lent me friends, and hopes, and arms, for vengeancCf

Clofe ambufh'd in the neighbYmg woods they lie,

Sworn the revengers of their bleeding country.

Ezm. Alas, my heart compaffionates thy wrongs :
But do not feek a ruin that wouM fliun thee.
What can thy flint-arm M Indian's courage do ?
What their weak arrows, fpoils of fifties bones ?
How can thy naked, untrain'd warriors conquer ?
Unequally oppos'd to iron-men :
To woundlefs bofoms coated o'er with fafety !
And arm'd with miffive thunders in their hand,
That dream deaths on us, fwirter than the winds!
No— -jince the world, they fay, has yielded to 'em,
Yield Zamor and Peru, and let 'em reign.

Zam. Let the world yield-— Zamor will always find
Some gen'rous corner in it, fit for freedom.
Had I been born to ferve, obedience claims

C Return

2* A L Z I R A.

Returns of benefit and due protection :

Outrage and wrongs require correction only.

Thefe lightnings and thefe thunders ; thefe fafe fiiells,

Cafes for fear, which guard their iron war ;

Thefe fiery ireeds, that tear the trampled canh,

And hurl their headlong riders on the foe ;

Thefe outward forms of death, that fright the world,

I can look fledfaft on ; and dare defpife.

The novelty once loft, the force will fail.

Curfe on our feeble gold ! it calls in foes,

Yet helps not to repel the wrongs it draws !

Oh, had but ileel been ours (—-but partial heaven

Has, with that manly wealth, enrich'dour foe !

Yet, not to leave our vengeance quite difarm'd,

Depriving us of fleel, it gave us virtue.

Ezm. Virtue was blefs'd of old :— but,— times are

chang'd.

Zam. No matter—let us keep our hearts the fame.
Alzira cannot change---Alzira's juft.
Alzira's faithful to her vows and me.
Save me, ye gods ! from a friend's downcaft eye !
Whence are thofe fi^hs and tears ?
jEsww. Too wretched Zamor !
Zam. I thought myfelf Alzira's father's fon ;
But find thefe tyrants have unking'd thy foul ;
And taught thee, on the grave's laft edge, to wrong me.
Rzm. They cannor. 'Tis an art I will not learn.

Tsfor are our conqu'rors all uniuft ; for, know,

*T\vas Heaven induc'd thefe Chriilians to our clime,

Lefs tofubdue, and rule us, than inftrucl.

Know, they brought with them virtues, here unfound :

Secrets, immortal, that preferve the foul !

The icience of falvation by belief!

The art of living blefs'd, and dying fafe !

Zatn. Or I am deaf: or, wou'd to Heaven, I were !
But, if I heard thee right, thou feem'ft to praife
Thefe pilfering zealots, who ufurp thy throne,
And wou'd convert thy daughter to a flave !
.£«;>/. Alxira is no Have.

Zam. Ah ! Royal Ezmont !

Pardon foine tranfport, which defpair inflam'd ;
And, to great woes, indulge a little warmth.

Re-

A L Z I R A. 27

Remember, flic was mine by folemn vow:
By thy own oath, before our altar fvvorn ;
Honour and perjury can never meet.

Ezm. What are our altars ? what our idol gods ?
Phantoms of human coinage, fear'd no more !
I would not wifli to hear thee cite their name.

Z<7///. What ! was our father's altars vain deceit ?

Ezm. It was ; and I have happily difclaim'd it.
May the great {ingle Power, that rules whole heaven,
Lend thy dark heart one ray of truth divine !
May'il thou, unhappy Zamor, learn to know,
And, knowing, to confefs, in Europe's right,
Her god ihould be ador'd, her fons obey'd !

Zam. Obey'd! Hell blait 'em ! — What ! thefefonsof

rapine ?
They have not robb'd thee of thy faith alone,

But pilrer'd even thy reafon ! Yet, 'twas wife,

When thou would'It keep no vows, to own no gods.

But, tell me ; is Alzira too forfworn ?

True to her father's weaknefs has fhe fallen ?
Serves (he the gods of Chriilians ?

Ezm. Haplefs youth !
Though blefs'd in my own change, I weep for thine.

Zam. He, who betrays his friend, has caufe for weep-
Yet tears, they fay, fhew pity: — if they do, [in§-
Pity this torment, which thy fhame has coil me.
Pity my heart, at once alarm'd, for heaven,
For heav'n betray 'd, like me ; and torn at once,
By love, and zeal, and vengeance. Take me, Carlos ;
Drag me to die at my Alzira's feet ;
And I will figh away a foul, ihe faves not.

But have a care be cautious, e're I fall,

Of urging me, too raihly, to defpair,
llefume a human heart ! and feel fome virtue.
Enter Alonzo.

Alon. My Lord, the ceremonies wait your prefence.

Ezm. Farewel 1 follow thee.

Zam. No, by my wrongs !
I will not quit this hold, till I have learnt,
What ceremony, what black purpofe, waits thee ?

Ezm. Away be counfell'd fly this fatal city.

Not though the Chriftian power that blails my
love,

C 2 Shou'd

** A L Z I R A.

Shou'd rain down lightnings on my deftin'd head,

And my own gods cry'd, fray, I {till would follow thee.
Exm. Forgive the force of an unwim'd refufal.

Guards, to your care I muft commit this madman.

Reftrain him He wou'd violate our altar.

Thefe Pagans, oblHnare in idol zeal,

Malign our holy myiVries ,- and profane

The church's folemn fervice. — -Guard the doors.

'Tis not in right of my own power I fpeak ;

But, Carlos, in my voice, commands your care.

[Exit with Guards , after they have, freed him from Zamor.
Zam. Did I not hear him, friends ! or am I mad ?

Did I not hear him ufe the name of Carlos ?

Oh, treachery ! Oh, bafenefs! Oh, my wrongs !

Oh, lait, uncredited, reproach of nature !

Ezmont commands for Carlos ? — 'Twas not Ezmont :
'Twasthat black devil, that fcares the Chriilian cowards,

Lied, in his ihape, to fcandalize Peru !

Oh, virtue ! thou art banifh'd from mankind :

Even from Alzira's heart, thou now art fled.

Thefe villain bart'rers rob us not of gold,

They pay its fatal price, in morals ruin'd.
Detefted Carlos, then is here !— -Oh, friends !
What council ? what refource ? to flop defpair.

Ind. Cap. Let not my prince condemn the faithful zea!3

That wou'd advife his forrows. Old Alvarez

Will {trait return, and bring, perhaps, that fon,

With whom to fhare his joy the good man hailen'd.

Urge him to fee you fafe without their gates :

Then fuddenly rejoin your ambufh'd friends,

And march, more equal, to your purpos'd vengeance.

Let us not fpare a life, but good Alvarez,

And this lov'd fon ! I, near the wall, remarked

Their arts, and modes of ftruclure : mark'd their angles,

Deep ditch, broad bulwarks, and their ileeping thunders*

I faw, and weigh 'd it all : and found hope ftrongeft.

Our groaning fathers, brothers, fons, and friends,

In fetter'd labour toil, to houfe their fpoilers.

Thefe, when we inarch to their unhop'd relief,

Will rife, within the town, behind their mailers :

While you, mean while, without, advance againil them :

And, o'er our dying bcdiss, proudly heap'd,

Bridge

A L Z I R A. 29

Bridge a bold entrance o'er their bloody rampart.
There, may we turn, againft their tyrant heads,
Thole fiery mouths of death, thofe florins of murder,
Thole forms, that frightning honeit, artlefs bravery,
Build, on our ignorance, a throne for wrongs.

Zam. Illuflrious wretchednefs ! by Heaven, it charms
To fee thole foaring fouls out-tower their fortune, [me,

Shall we yes, itill we {hall ! recover empire ;

Carlos (hall feel Peru, defpis'd Peru,

Knock'd at his trembling heart, and claim atonement.

Come, dire revenge ! thou melancholy god !

That comfort'ft the diflrefs'd with fhadowy hopings !

Strengthen our willing hands : let Carlos die !

Let but that Spanifh murderer, Carlos, die,

And I am half repaid my kingdom's lofles !

But we are wretches, indolently brave :

We talk of vengeance ; and we fleep in chains !

Alvarez has forgot me : Ezmont flights me :

Andihe I love is theirs, whom mofl I hate.

All the poor comfort of my heart is doubting.

Hark ! what furprifing noife ! [Shout.] It rites louder,

And fudden fires, high -flaming, double day !

Hark ! — from their iron throats, [Guns.'] yon roaring

mifchiefs

Pour their triumphant infult. [Trumpets, feV.] What new
Or what new crime, demands this Iwell of joy ? [feaft,
Now, in their heedlefs mirth, defcend fome god ;
And teach us to be free ; or, failing, die.
'Tis liberty alone, that makes life dear :
He does not live at all, who lives to fear.

of the SECOND ACT.

ACT III.

A L z I R A alone.

SHADE of my murder'd lover ! fhun to view me :
Rife to the liars, and make their brightnefs fweeter;
But (bed no gleam of luilre on Alzira.
She has betray'd her faith, and married Carlos !
The fea, that roil'd its wat'ry world betwixt us,

C -a Fail'd

30 A L Z I R A.

Fail'd to divide our hands and he has reach'd me !

The altar trembled at th'unhallow'd touch ,•

And Heaven drew back, reluftant, at our meeting.

Oh, thou foft-hovering ghoft, that haunt'il my fancy !

Thou dear and bloody form, that ikims before me !

Thou never-dying, yet thou buried Zamor !

If lighs and tears, have power to pierce the grave ;

If death, that knows no pity, will but hear me ;

If Hill thy gentle fpirit loves Alzira :

Pardon, that even in death, (lie dar'd forfake thee !

Pardon her rigid fenfe of nature's duties :

A parent's will ! a pleading country's fafety !

At thefe ftrong calls, flie facrific'd her love ;

To joylefs glory, and to taftelefs peace :

And to an empty world, in which thou art not !

Oh, Zamor ! Zamor ! follow me no longer,

Drop fome dark veil, fnatch fome kind cloud before thee,

Cover that confcious face, and let death hide thee !

Leave me to fuffer wrongs that Heaven allots me :

And teach my bufy fancy to forget thee.

Enter Emira.

Where ate thofe captives ? Are they free, Emira ?
Where thofe fad children of my mournful country ?
Will they not fuffer me to fee, to hear them ?
To fit and weep, and mingle with their mournings ?

Emira. Ah, rather dread the rage of angry Carlos,
Who threatens 'em with fome new flroke of horror.
Some cruel purpofe hangs, this moment, o'er 'em !
For, through this window look, and fee difplay'd,
The broad red ilandard, that betokens blood;
Loud burfls of death roar from their iron priibns,
And anfwer, dreadful, to each others call ! [Guns.

The council haftes, alarm 'd, and meets in uproar. [Shouts.
All I have heard befides is, that the prince,
Your father, has been fummon'd to attend.

Alz. Immortal guardian of th' endanger'd juft !
Have I for this, in vain, betray 'd my peace ?
Dares the direhufband, recent from the altar,
New to my forc'd content, — and fcarce yet lord
Of my repenting hand ; fo foon let loofe
His recommiflion'd murders ! Muft my nuptials
Serve, as the prelude, to my people's blood 1

Ob |

A L Z I R A. 3*

Oh, marriage ! marriage ! what a curfe is thine,
Where hands alone confent, and hearts abhor !
Enter Cephania.

Ccpb. One of the captive Indians, juft fet free,
In honour of the joy that crowns this day,
Prays your permillion, Madam, to be heard,
And at your princely feet difclofe fome fecret.

Alz. Let him, with firmnefs, and with freedom enter*
For him, and for his friends, he knows I live.
Dear to my eyes, I mark 'em with delight,
And love, alas, in them, their poor loll country.
• But why alone ? • «Why one ?

Cepb. It is that captain,
To whofe victorious hand, I heard, but now,
Alvarez, your new lord's illuftrieus father,
Ow'd his remitted life, from Indians fav'd.

Emir a. With earnefl prefiure, he has fought your

prefence :

He met me entering, and with trembling hafte,
Implor'd me to befriend th' important prayer.
He told me, further, that the prince your father,
For fome ftrange caufe, this Indian feems to know,
Had charg'd the guards he 'fcap'd from, to prevent

His accefs to your ear Methinks, there fits

A kind of fullen greatnefs on his brow,

As if it veil'd, in grief, fome awful purpofe.

Cepb. I watch'd him — and he walks, and turns, and

weeps :

Then Harts, and looks at heaven ; and to the gods,
Pours up an ardent figh, that breathes your name !

I pitied him but, gather'd, from this freedom,

That he's a ftranger to your rank and greatnefs.

Alz. What rank ? What greatnefs ?— Perifh all dif-

tinclton,

That, from the wrong'd unhappy, barrs the great !
Who knows, but this was once fomegen'rous friend,
Some brave companion of my Zamor's arms !
Who knows, but he was near him, when he fell ;
And bring? fome meflage from his parting foul !
How dare I then receive him ?— — Can my heart
Be proof againft the lafl kind words of Zamor ?
Will not the half-lull'd pain, rekindling freih,

Burn

3* A L Z I R A.

Burn, with increafe of fmart, and wring my foul ?

No matter, let him enter. — [Exit Cephania.

• Ha, what means

This fudden chillnefs, fadd'ning round my heart,
In fhort, faint flutt'rings never felt before !

Ah, fatal reiidence ! From the firft hour

Theie hated walls became Alzira'sprifon,
Each diff'rent moment brought tome difY'rent pain.
Enter Zamor.

Zam. Art thou, at length, reitor'd me ? — Cruel! tell
Art thou, indeed, Alzira ? [me !

Ate* — Gentle fpirit !

Forgive me. Do not come to chide th' unhappy !

I have been wrong'd ; but • [Faints into his arms»

?Mm. Thine, fhe wou'd have faid ;
And her imperfect purpofe fully blefs'd me.
Revive, thou dearelt, lovelieft, loft Alzira !
Zamor will live no longer, fhou'dfl thou die.

Ah. The kind, forgiving fliade, is (till before me!
It wak'd me, by a found, that feem'd his name.

Zamt I am no fliadow, if Alzira's mine;
I am thy living lover, at thy feet [Kneeling*

Reclaiming thee, thou noblefl half himfelf !

Ah. Can it be poffible, thou fhould'll be Zamor ?

Zam. Thy Zamor thine.

Ah. But, art thou fure, thou liv'ft ?

Zani. 'Tis in thy power,
To make that truth undoubted.— Do but fay

Thou would'ft not have me die, and I will live,

To thank thee; thus with everlairing love.

[Rifes, and catches her in his arms.

Ah. Oh, days of foftnefs ! — Oh, remembered years,

Of ever-vanim'd happinefs ! Oh, Zamor !

Why has the grave been bountiful too late ?

Why fent thee back in vain ? to make joy bitter ;

By mix'd ideas of diftra6ting horror !

Ah, Zamor ! — What a time is this, — to charm in !

Thy every word, and look, fhoots daggers through me.

Za?n* Then mourn'fl thou my return ?

Ah. I do- 1 do.

Becaufe, it was no fooner.

Generous tendernefs !

Ahl

A L Z I R A. 33

Alz. Where haft thou been, thus long, unknown,
till now ?

Zam. A wand'ring vagabond, that trod the world,
In fruitlefs fearch of means, to fave Alzira.
Not all the tort'ring racks of villain Carlos,
CouM from my panting heart expell Alzira.
The bloody fpoiler tir'd his rage in vain :

I brav'd his wounds and infults. Life had yet

No leifure to foriake me. Thou requir'ft me.
The groans ©f fuff'ring nations reach'd my foul,
And bad it ftruggle to revenge mankind.
Alas, thou trembleft ! Thy foft nature fhrinks,
At bare recital of thefe Spanifh virtues.
Doubtlefs, the guardian god that Irniies on love,
Knew thy kind wifh :— and, for thy fake, iuftain'd me*
And thou wilt thank, I know, his gentle goodnefs.
Thy pious heart difdains to quit thy gods,
Becaufe they fufier with thee ; and have failed
To ftem th' invading hoft of Spain's new Heav'n !
Thou haft too little falfhood for a Spaniard.
— Haft thou e'er heard of abafe wretch, call'd Carlos ?
A birth that blackens nature ! a taught monfler !
Sent, in our ihape, from fome far diftant world,
To humble ours, with fenfe of human bafenefs !
They tell me, he is here. — Grant heav'n thou knowefl
him!

Thou then fhalt guide my vengeance, to this firft,

And vileft of its viclims.

Alz. Find him, here
Black in my breaft, he lives : ftrike, ftrike, and reach him.

Zam. Hold, heart and break not yet This may

be pity.

Alt,. Strike — for — I merit neither life, — nor thee.

Zam. Ezmont, I feel thee ; and believe thee all !

4lz. Did he then tell thee ? — Had my father power
To dwell fo fadly on my hopelefs woes,

As to defcribe Jem to thee ? Did he name

The dreadful huiband — his loft daughter owes him ?

Zam. No — but thou may'ft : for that will harden Za-
That he fliall never be aftonifh'd more ! [mort

Alz. Yes— I will tell it thee— Prepare to tremble i

Not for thyfelf to tremble, but for me.

I will

34 A L Z I R A.

1 will lay open the vaft horror to thee :

Then thou wilt weep and live ; — and bid me— die.

Zam. Alzira ! Oh !

Alz. This Carlos

Zam. Carlos !

Alz. He

J was this morning fworn forever his !

Zam. Sworn whofe ? not Carlos?

Alz. I have been betray'd.

I was too weak alone, againfl my country.

• Even on this fatal, this foreboding day,
Almoil within thy fight, Chriftian Alzira
Plighted, in prefenceof theChrifHan God,

Her haplefs hand to Carlos. 'Tis a crime,

That hopes no pardon ! All my gods renounc'd !

My lover wrong'd ! my country's fame betray'd !
All, all, demand revenge.— J)o thou then kill me :

Thou wilt ftrike tenderly and my glad blood

Shall meet thy dear-lov'd hand — and that way join thee,.

Zam. Carlos, Alzira's huiband !— 'tis impoffible !

Alz. Were I difpcs'd to mitigate my crime,
I cou'd alledge a father's awful power ;
I cou'd remind thee of our ruin'd ftate :
And plead my tears, my ftruggles, and diffraction :
Till three long wretched years confirm'd thee dead.
I cou'd, with juftice, charge my faith renounc'd
On hatred of thofegods, wholav'd not Zamor.

But Idifclaim excufe, to Hum remiffion.

Love finds me guilty ; and that guilts condemns me.
Since thou art fafe, no matter what I fuffer.
When life has loft the joys that make it blefs'd,

The ihortefl liver is the happieft always.
Why doft thou view me with fo kind an eye ?
Thou fhould'ft look frernly, and retracl all pity.

Zam. No---if I fHll am lov'd, thou art not guilty.
Wifliing me blefs'd, methinks thou mak'ft me fo.

Alz. When, by my father urg'd, and by Alvarez,
And inly too impell'd, perhaps, to fate,
By fome forfaken god, who meant revenge ;
When by the Chriitian's fears, and my touch'd heart,
At once befet, they dragg'd me to the temple,
Even in the moment when advancing Carlos

Sought

A L Z I R A. 3$

Sought my efcaping band, though I then thought thee
Dead, and for ever loft to my fond hopes :
Yet then, beneath the altar's facred gloom,
I bow'd my foul to Zamor: memory,

Reliev'd me, with thy image. Indians, Spaniards,

All, all have heard, how ardently I lov'd thee,
'Twas my heart's pride toboaft it to the world !

To earth, to heav'n, to Carlos, I proclaimed it !

And now, e'en now, in this diftrefsful moment,
For the lair, time, 1 tell thyfelf, I love rhee.

Zam. For thelait time ! Avert the menace, Heav'n !

Art thou at once reitor'd and loft again !

Tis not love's language, this ! Alas, Alzira !

Alx. Oh, Heaven {---Alvarez comes, and with him

Carlos.
Enter Don Alvarez, followed by Don Carlos.

Al<v. See! with Alzira there, my life's reftorer!
Approach, young hero ! 'tis my fon who feeks thee ;
Spain's delegate, who here holds power f up re me :
My Carlos, bids thee fliare his bridal joy.
- • Meet, and embrace : divide your father's love :
My fon, of nature, one and one of choice.

Zam. Nam'd he not Carlos ? — Perifli fuch a fon,
As the detefted Carlos !

Alz. Heaven avert
The riiing tempeft, that o'erwhelms my foul!

Alv. What means this wonder ?

Zam. 'Tis not poffible !

No 1 wou'd difbelieve attefting gods,

Shou'd they, from heaven, affert this mock to nature ;
That fuch a father can have fuch a fon !

D. Car. [To Zamor.] Slave 1 from what fpring

does thy blind fury rife ?
Know'ft thou not who I am ?

Zam. Thou art a villain.

My country's horror and whole nature's fhamei

Among the fcourges whom jufl Heaven has left thee,
Know me, for Zamor.

D. Car. Thou, Zamor ?

Alv. Zamor !

'/.am. Yes the tortur'd Zamor.

Eiufh'd to be told it j and remember, with it,

The

36 A L Z I R A.

The bloody rage of thy remorelefs cruelty ;
That bafely dar'd infult a yielded caprive !

Now he returns triumphant in diftrefs,

To look thee into fhame : to lee thofe eyes

Fall their ftretch'd fiercenefs, and decline before him.

Thou wafter of the world ! Thou licens'd robber !

Thou whole laft fpoil was my Alzira's glory*!

Win her againft this fword : [ZJrawj.]— the fole good

Zamor can boail he owes thy haughty country ! [gain?

Now the fame hand, that gave the father life,

Claims, in return, the fon's devoted blood :

And, fo reveng'd, atones a dying realm.

Al<v. Confounded and amaz'd, 1 hear him fpeak ;

And every word grows ftranger ! Carlos cannot

Be guilty or, if guilty, cannot anfwer.

D. Car. To anfwer, is a poornefs I defpife.
Where rebels dare accufe, (hould power reply,

'Twou'd but forge't to punifli. With this fword,

I might; but that I know the reverence due
To your protecting prefence, well have anfwer'd.
-•-Madam, [To Alzira.] your heart fhou'd have inflrucled
Why you offend me, while I fee you here. [}T°ui

If not my peace, at leait your fame, demands
That you now drive this outlaw from your thoughts.
You weep then ! and infult me with your tears ?
And yet I love, and can be jealous of you !

^/x. Cruel ! [To Carlos.] and you, [To Alvarez.] my

father, and proteclor !

And thou ! [To Zamor.] my foul's paft hope, in hap
pier times !

Mark— and condole my fate. Mix your due pity :

And tremble, at the horror of my woes.

Behold this lover, which my father chofe me,

Before I knew there was a world, but ours.

With his reported death our empire fell :

And I have liv'd to fee my father's throne

O'erturn'd; and all things chang'd in earth and heav'n ?

By every human help, alas, forfaken,

At length, my father, from the Chrillian's God

Sought help, and fcreen'd a (late, behind his name.

Compelled before this unknown power, to kneel,

A dreadful oath has bound my backward foul,

2 To

A L Z I R A. 37

To love the murd'rerof my real lover !
In my new faith, I own myfelf unflcill'd,
But all that virtue taught me, that I know.

Zamor, I love, thee juftly : 1 confefs it.

What duty calls for, can deferveno fhame.
Yet, where my foul is bound, my heart obeys :
And I can now be thine, alas, no more.
Let me be wretched, rather than unjuft.

Carlos, for you, 1 am your wife, and vicYini :

Yet, in abhorrence of your cruel heart,

I hold my hand divorc'd ; and hence abjure you.

One way to either, I fubmir, with joy :
If your fwords claim me, I am due to both.
Which will reward me with the death I wlfh ?
Carlos, thou haft a hand already ftain'd :
Thy pra«5tis*d poignard need not llart at blood.
Str.ke then, for due revenge of flighted love.;
And, pimifhing the guilty,- once be ju(K

D.Car. I find then, Madam, you wou'd brave my
Proud of offending one who mull forgive. [weaknefs !
But you invoke my vengeance, and it comes.
Your taie is ready- • • tor, your minion dies.

Who waits ? a guard there.

Enter Soldiers,

Ah. Cruel ChriiHun inlult !

Aiv. My fon ! what: mean you ? What rafli tranfport

this ?

Think whom you fentence. — Ts his perfon hateful,
Yet reverence his virtue and his name.
He, who is helplefs, in his hater's hands,
Claims lafety from his weaknefs.-— Why, why, Garbs,
Mult I, a ftcond time, remind your mercy ?

I gave you life: but Zamor gave it me.

JBe warn'd nor forfeit honour to revenge.

Enter Don Alonzo, i^ltb Spanish bottlers.

Alon. Pardon an entrance, Sir, thus unprepared.
The woods, that border on the neighboring p-uiii,
Pour out a fudden fwarm of Indian foes.
Arm'd they advance, as if to fcale our walls :
And Zamor's name, relbunded, rings to heaven.
Gleamings, from golden bucklers, meet the fun j
And in firm line, and cl'jfe eomp.idcJ ui..ixh,

D

38 A L Z I R A.

The flretch'd battalions move, in martial juftnefs.
They hold fuch difcipline, fuch order'd motion,
As ne'er was known before to favage foes.
As if from us they catch'd the lights of war,
And turn'd the burning leflbns on their teachers.

D. Car. Away then : let us think 'em worth our meet-
—-Heroes of Spain ! ye fav'rite fons of war ! [mg-

All corners of the world are yours to fliine in.
Help me to teach thefe flaves to know their matters.
Bring him along by force.

Zam. Tyrant, they dare not.
Or, are they gods, who cannot be repell'd ?
And proof againft the wounds, they feek to give ?

D. Car. Surround him.

u4/?. Spare him, fave him !

j4fo. Son, be cool ;
And itill remember what your father owes him.

D. Car. Sir, I remember, 'tis a foldier's duty
To bear down oppofition : foyou taught me.

[Alonzo, and Spanifb Soldier s^furround and felzc Zamor.

Your pardon, Sir, 1 go, where honour c^lls me.

[/£AV/, W///6 Zamor, and all the Spanifh Soldiers.

Alx. [70Alv.] Low, at your feet, I fall; your vir
tue's claim.

Tis the firil homage tortune yet has taught me.
Grant me the wifh'd releafe of death's kind hand,
From miferies, I cannot live to fee.
But, dying, let me leave this witnefs with you,
That, true to my firlt vows, I change not lightly.
Two different claimers cannot both pollefs
One faithful heart, that can but once be given.
Zamor is mine ; and I am only Zamor's.
Zamor is virtuous, as a fancied angel.
'Twas Zamor gave his life, to good Alvarez !

SJIv. I feel the pity of a father for thee.
I mourn afflicted Zamor : I will guard him :
I will proteft you both, unhappy lovers !
Yet, ah, be mindful of the marriage tie,
That, but this morning, bound thy d^ys to Carlos.
Thou art no longer thine, my mournful daughter.
Carlos has been too cruel ; but repents it :
And this once-cruel Carlos is thy hulband,

A He

A L Z I R A. 39

He is my fon too ; and he loves us both.

Pity foon foftens hearts, where love has enter'd.

Alz< Ah, why did Heav'n not make you Zamor's fa
ther ?

Grentnefs with fweetnefs join'd, like fire with light,
Each aiding other, mingle warm with bright.
What the kind wants, th' alibciate itrong fupplies,
And from the gentle, peace and calmnefs rife.

END of the THIRD ACT,

ACT IV.

Don Alvatcx and Don Carlos.
Shout ';, Trumpet*) a.long and lofty jlourijb*

ALVAREZ.

DESERVE, my fon, this triumph of your afms,
Your number,-:, and your courage, have prevaii'd ;
And of this laft belt effort of the foe,
Half are no more ; and half are yours, in chains.
Difgrace not due fuccefs, by undue cruelties :
But call in mercy, to fupport your fame.
I will go viiit the afllifted captives,
And pour compaffion on their aching wounds.
Mean while, remember, you are man and Chrifliaa.
Bravely, at once, refolveto pardon Zamor.
——Fain vvou'd I for'ten this indocil fiercenefs :
And teach your courage how to conquer hearts.

D. Car. Your words pierce mine, freely devote

But leave at liberty my juft revenge. [my life,

Pardon him, Why ! the favage brute is lovM !

Alv. Th* unhappily helovM moil merit pity.

D. Car. Pity !---Cou'd I be fure of fuch reward,
I wou'd die pleas'd, and fhe fhou'd pity me,

Alv. How much to be lamented is a heart,
At once by rage of headlong will oppreiVd,
And by lit ong jealou lies and doublings torn !

D.Car. When jealoufy becomes a crime Guard,

Heaven,

D 2 That

40 A L Z I R A.

That hufbancFs honour, whom his wife not loves !"
Your pity takes in all the world but me.

dlv. Mix notthehitternefs of diftant fear

With yourarriv'd misfortunes. Since Alzira

Has virtue, it will prove a vvifer care

Toibften her, for change, by patient tendernefs,

Than, by reproach, confirm a willing hate.

Her heart is, like her country, rudely fweet ; •• ••-

Repelling force, but gentle to be kind.

Sottnefs will iboneft bend the ftubborn will.

D. Car. Softnefs !-— by all the wrongs of woman's !iate?
Too much of foftnefs but invites difdam.
Flatter'd too long, beauty at length grows wanton,
And, infolently fcornful, flights its praifer.
Oh, rather, Sir, bejealous for my glory ;
And urge my doubting anger to refolve.
Too low already, condefceniion bow'd,
Nor blunVd, to match the conqu'ror with the (lave 1
But, when this (lave, unconfcious what (he
Proudly repays humility with fcorn,
And braves, and hates the unafpi ring love,
Such love is weakneft : — -and fubmiilion,
Gives faaioltion to contempt, and rivets pa:.n.

Alv, Thi.'S, youth is ever apt to judge in hade,,
Aud lofe the medium in the wild extreme.
Do not repent, but regulate, your paflion :
Though love is reafon, its excels is rage.
Give ine, at lea ft, your promife, to reflect,
In cool, impartial, Iblitude : and dill,
Nolan: dccifiou, till we meet aga'u.

D. Car. It is my father alks — and, had I will,
Nature denies rne pow'r, to anfwer, No.
I will, in wifdom's right, fufpend my anger.
—Yet — Spare my loaded heart : — nor add more weight ;
Left my fbength fail beneath th' unequal prellure.

Alv* Grant yourfeii" time, and all you want comes with
it. [Exit.

D. Car. [Akne.'] And muft I coldly then, to pen-
five piety,

Give up the livelier joys of widi'd revenge !
Mull I repel the guardian cares of jealoufy,
And flacken every rein, to rival love !

JMuil

A L Z r R A, 41

Muft I reduce my hopes beneath a favage ?

And poorly envy fuch a wretch as Zamor !

A coarfe luxuriance of fpontaneous virtue !

A fhoot of rambling, fierce, offenfive freedom :

Nature's wild growth, ---ftrong, but unprun'd, in daring.

A rough, raw woodman, of this rugged clime j

Illit'rate in the arts of polifh'd life ;

And who, in Europe, where the fair can judge,

WouM hardly, in our courts, be call'da man !

—She comes !--Alzira comes !— unwilh'd— yet charming.

Rntcr Alzira.

Ate. You turn, and fhun me !---So, I have been told,
Spaniards, by cuflom, meet fubmiffive wives.

But, hear me, Sir:---hear, even a fuppliant wife;

Hear this unguilty objett of your anger,

One, who can rev'rence, though (lie cannot love you :

One, who is wrong'd herfelf, not injures you :

One, who indeed is weak, — and wants your pity.

I cannot wear difguife : be it th' effect

Of greatnefs, or of weaknefs, in my mind,

My tongue cou'd ne'er be inov'd, but by my heart :

And that — was vow'd, another's. If he dies,

The honeil plainnefs of my foul deftroys him.

---You look furpriz'd :---! will, ftill more, furpnzeyou,

I come, to try you deeply ---for I mean

To move the hufband, in the lover's favour J

1 had half flatter'd my unpra<5ris*d hope,

That you, who govern others, fhou'd yourfelf
Be temp'rate in the uie of your own parlions.
Nay, 1 perfuaded my unchriftian ign'rance,
That an ambitious warrioi*s infelt pride
Shou'd plead in pardon of that pride in others.

- This I am lure of that, forgiving mercy

Wou'd (lamp more influence on our Indian hearts,
Than all oar uold on thofe of men like you.
\Vho knows, d-d fuch a change endear your breaft,
How far the pleafmg force might (often mine ?
Your right fee u res you my refpecl and faith ;

---Strive for my love : ilrive for whatever clfc

INIay charm : — if aught there is can charm like love.

• Forgive me : I (hall be betray 'd by fear,

Topromiie, till lover-charge my power

D 3 Yet

42 A L Z I R A.

Yet---try what changes gratitude can make.

A Spaniih wife, perhaps, wou'd promife more :

Proruie in charms, and prodigal of tears,

Wou'd promife all things and forget 'em all.

But I have weaker charms, and fimpler arts.
Guilelefs of foul, and left as nature form'd me,
I err, in honefl innocence of aim,
And, ft eking to compofe, inflame you more.

All I can add, is this : Unlovely force

Shall never bow me to reward conflraint :
But-— to what lengths I may be led, by benefits,
'Tis in your pow'rto try : not mine to tell.

D.Car. *Tis well.— Since juflice has fuch pow'r to

guide you,

That you may follow duty, know it firil.
Count modefty among your country's virtues ;
And copy, not condemn, the wives of Spain.
*Tis your firfl teflon, Madam, to forget.

Become more delicate, if not more kind,
And never let me hear the name I hate.
---You (hou'd learn, next, to blufti away your haite,
And wait in lilence, till my will refolves
What puniihment, or pity, fuits his crimes.
— Know, laft, that (thusprovok'd) a huiband's clemency
Out-ftretches nature, if it pardons you.
Learn thence, ungrateful ! that I want notpiry :
And be the laft to dare believe me cruel.

{Exit Don Carlos.

Em. Madam, be comforted ; 1 mark'd him well;

1 fee, he loves ; and love wrill make him fofter.

Al%. Love has no pow'r to aft, when curb'd by jealoufy.

Zamor mull die : for I have aik'd his life.

Why did not I forfee the likely danger ?

--But has thy care been happier ? — Canil thou fave him ?

Far, far, divided from me, may he live !

Hail thou made trial of his keeper's faith ?

Em. Gold, that with Spaniards, can outweigh their

God,
Has bought his hand : — and, fo his faith's your own.

Ate. Then Heav'n be blefs'd, this metal, form'd for
Sometimes atones the wrongs 'tis dug to catife ! [crimes,
—But, we lofe time :— Why dofl thou feem to paufe ?

Em.

A L Z I R A. 43

Em. I cannot think they purpofe Zamor's death.
Alvarez has not loft his povv'r fo tar,
Nor can the council————

Alz. They are Spaniards all.
Mark the proud, partial guilt of thefe vain men :
Ours, but a country held to yield them flaves :
Who reign our kings, by right of diffVcnt clime.
Zamor, mean while, by biith, true fovereign here,
Weighs but a rebel in their righteous fcale.
Oh, civiliz'd aiTent of focial murder I—
But why, Emira, fliould this foldier ftay ?

Em. We may expecl him inftantly. The nighf,
Methinks, grown darker, veils your bold defign.
Wearied by daughter, and unwafh'd from blood,
The world's proud fpoilers, all lie hulVd in fleep.

Alz. Away, and find this Spaniard. Guilt's bought
Opening the prifon, innocence goes free. [hand

E?n. See ! by Cephania led, he comes wiih Zamor.
Be cautious, Madam, at fo dark an hour,
Left, met, fufpefted honour fhould be loft j
And modefty, miftaken, fuffer fhame.

Alz. What does thy ill -taught fear miftake for fliame ?
Virtue, at midnight, walks as fafe within,
As in the confcious glare of flaming day.
She who in forms finds virtue, has no virtue.
All the fliame lies in hiding honeft love.
Honour, the alien fantom, here unknown,
Lends but a length'ning fliade to fetting virtue.
Honour's not love of innocence, but praife ;
The fear of cenfure, not the fcorn of iin.
But I was taught, in a fincerer clime,
That Virtue, tho' it ftiines not, ftill is virtue ;
And inbred honour grows not, but at home.
This my heart knows ; and, knowing, bids me dare,
Should Heav'n forfake the juft, be bold and fave him.

Enter Zamor, with Cephania, and a Spanijb SoUicr.
Ah, fly ! thy hopes are loft ; thy torturer's ready.
Efcape this moment, or thou ftay'ft to die.
Hafte — lofe no time — begone : this guardian Spaniard
Will teach thee to deceive the murderer's hope.
Reply not ; iiuige thy fate from my defp.-.ir ;
Save, by thy flight, the man I love from death ;

The

44 .A L Z I R A.

The man whom I have fworn t' obey, from blood ;
And a loft world, that knows thy worth, from tears.
Thy country calls thee ; night conceals thy fteps.
Pity thy fate, and leave me to my own.

Zam. Thou robber's property ! Thou Chriftian's wife!
Thou, who dar'ft love me, yet dar'ft bid me live !
If I muft live, come thou, to make life tempting.
But 'twas a cruel wifh — How could I fhield thee,
Stript of my power and friends, and nothing left me,
But wrongs and mifery ? — I have no dower
To tempt reludant love. All thou canft fliare
With me, wiil be — my defart — and my heart.
When I had more, I laid it at thy feet.

Aly,. Ah, what are crowns that mufl no more be thine ?
I lov'd not power, but thee : thyfelf once loft,
What has an empty world to tempt my itay ?
Far in the depth of thy fad defarts, trac'd,
My heart will feek thee ; Fancy, there, miileads
"My weary, wand'ring fteps ; there horror finds,
And preys upon my folitude ; there leaves me,
To languifli life out in unheard complaints ;
To wafte and wither in the tearlefs winds ;
And die with fliame at breach of plighted faith,
For being only thine — and yet another's.
Go, carry with thee both my peace and life,
And leave — Ah, would thou couldft ! — thy ibrrows here.
I have my lover and my fame to guard,
And I will fave them both Begone — for ever.

Zam. I hate this fame, falfe avarice of fancy j
The fickly (hade of an unfolid greatnefs ;
The lying lure of pride, that Europe cheats by :
Pe<ifh the groundlefs feemings of their virtue !
But fLall forc'd oaths at hated Chriftians* altars,
Shall gods, who rob the gcds of our forefathers,
Shall the'e obtrude a lord, and blaft a lover ?

Alz. Since it was fworn, or to your gods or theirs,
What help ii, itfr me ?

Za?». None Adieu — for ever.

Alz. Stay — What a furewel this ? — Return, \Going*
I charge thee.

Zam. Carlos, perhaps, will hear thee.

Al%. \Returning.~\ Ah, pity, rather
Than thus upbraid ray wretchednefs 1

Zam*

A L Z I R A. 4$

Zam. Think, then,
On our pad vows.

Alz. I think of nothing now,
But of thy danger.

Zrfw. Oh, thou haft undone
T he terd'red, fondeft lover 1 —

Alt. Still I love ;
Crime as it is, I love thee. Leave me, Zamor/

Leave me alone to die Ha ! cruel ! tell me,

What horrible defpair, revolving wildly,

Burds from thy eyes, with purpofe more than mortal ?

Zam, It fhall be fo. [Going,

Alz. What wouldd thou ? Whither go'd thou ?

[Holding him.

Zam. To make a proper ufe of unhop'd freedom.

Alz. By heav'n, if 'tis to death, I'll follow thee.

Zam. Horrors, unmix'd with love, demand me now.
Leave me — Time flies — Night blackens— Duty calls.
Soldier, attend my deps. [Exit

Alz. Alas, Emira !
I faint — I die — In what ungovern'd dart

Of fome radi thought he left rae ? Hade, Emirn,

Watch his fear'd meaning ; trace his fatal footlleps ;
And, if thou feed him fafe, return, and blefs me.

[Exit Emir a.

A black, prefaging forrow fwells my heart !
What couid a day like this produce, but woe ?
Oh, thou dark, awful, vad, myderious Power,
Whom Chriftians worfhip, yet not comprehend !
If, ignorant of thy new laws, I dray,
Shed from thy didant heav'n, where-e'er it (nines,
One ray of guardian light, to clear my way :
And teach me, firft to find, then ad, thy will.
But, if my only crime is love of Zamor,
If that offends thy light, and claims thy anger,
Pour thy due vengeance on my hopelefs head ;
For I am then a wretch, too lod for meicy
Yet, be the wanderer's guide, amidlt his defarts !
Greatly difpenie thy good with equal hand ;
Nor, partial to the partial, give Spain all.
Thou cand not be confinM to care of parts ;
Heedlefs of one world, and the other's father :

Vanquiflvd

46 A L Z I R A.

Vanquifh'd and vigors are alike to thee ;
And all our vain diftinc-lions mix before thee.
Ah, what foreboding fhriek ! — Again ! and louder !
Oh, heav'n ! amidit the wildnefs of that found,

I heard the name of Zarnor ! Zamor's loll— -

Hark ! — a third time ! — And now the mingled cries
Come quick'ning on my ear !

Enter Emira, frighted.
Emira, fave me !

What has he done ?• • In pity of my fears,
Speak, and beftow fome comfort.

Em. Comfort is loft :

And all the rage of death has fure poflefs'd him.
Firft, he chang'd habits with the trembling foldier :
Then fnatch'd his weapon from him — The robb'd wretch
Flew, frighted, toward the gate — while furious Zamor,
Wild, as the fighting rage of wint'ry winds,
Ruth'd to the public hall, where fits the council.
Following, I faw him pafs the fleeping guards ;
But loft him when he enter'd. In a moment,
I heard the found of voices cry, He's dead.
Then, clam'rous calls from ev'ry way at once,
To arms, To arms ! — Ah, Madam, ftay not here !
Fly to the inmoft rooms, and fhun the danger.

Alz. No, dear Elmira; rather let us try,
Whether our weaknefs may not find fome means,
Late and unlikely as it is, to fave him,
I, too, dare die.

Em. They come Protect us, Heaven !

Enter Don Alonzo.

Alon* Madam, you ftir no farther — I have orders
To feize your perfon. 'Tis a charge unwilh'd.

Alz. Whence doft thou come? What fury fent thee
\Vhat is become of Zamor ? [hither ?

Alon. At a time

So full of danger, my refpe£b gives way
To duty You muft pleaie to follow me.

Afa. Oh, Fortune, Fortune ! — This is too fevere !
Zamor is dead, and I am only captive !
Why doft thou weep ? What have a Spaniard's tears
To do with woes, which none but Spaniards caufe ?

Come ;

A L Z I R A. 47

Come ; if to death thou lead'ft me, 'twill be kind :
There only, vveaknefs wrong'd, can refuge find.

[Exeunt.
END of the FOURTH ACT.

A C T V.

Alzira, guarded.

ALZIRA.

AM I to die ? Anfwer, ye dumb deftroyers !
Ye wretches, who provoke, yet mock at Heaven ;
And when you mean to murder, lay you judge !
Why does your brutal iilence leave my foul
Flutt'ring, 'twixt hop> and fear, in torturing doubt ?
Why am I not inform'd of Zamor's fate ?
They will not fpeak— No matrer — She who hopes
To hear no good, why ihould (lie hear at all ?
The conduct of thefe watchful mutes is itrange.
They feize me, guard me, and confine me here ;
Yet anfwer nothing, but with looks ot hate.
Chancing, but now, to iigh my Zamor's name,
Ev'n thefe low monitors, ilruck with Spanifh envy,
Started, turn'd pale, and trembled at the found. f
Enter Ezmont.

Alas ! my father, too !

Extn. To what dark depth
Of fad defpair, halt thou reduc'd us all?
See now, the fruits of thy unlift'ninv love !
Even in the inftant, while, with growing hope,
We pleaded earneft for the life of Zamor ;
While we yet hung on the halt-granted prayer;
An ent'ring foldier drew our notice toward him.
'Twas Zamor — dreadful, in a borrowed drefs !
At once he hurl'd his furious eyes amongft us,
And his more furious perfon. Scarce I law,
So rapid was his motion, that his hand
Held a drawn fword. To enter, reach our feats,
And, lion-like, fpring to the breaft of Carlos ;
Th* alFault, the wound, the death, was all one momen'-.
Out guiVd your hu (band's blood, to (lain your father,

As

4-3 A L Z I R A.

As if 'twould lend me blufhes for a daughter.

Zamor, mean while, the dreadful action done,

Soft'ning to fudden calmnefs, at the feet

Of fad Alvarez fell, and to his hand

Relign'd the fword, which his fon's blood made horrid.

The father ftarted into back'ning terror !

The murd'rer dafh'd his bofom to the ground ;

I but reveng'd (he cry'd) my wrongs and fhame ;

I but my duty knew — Know you your own.

Nature your motive, and oppreffion mine.

He faid no more; but, proflrate, hop'd his doom.

Th* afflided father funk upon my bofom ;

The fil-ent night grew frightful with our cries.

From ev'ry fide at once in broke the fvvarms ;

A flow of fruitlefs help furrounded Carlos,

To flop th' out-welling blood, and hold back life.

But what moil fhakes me, tho' tis told thee lad,

Is, that they think thee guilty of his death ;

And, infolently loud, demand thy own.

Alt,. Ah ! can you

EXJJI» No. Impofiible. I cannot.
I know thy heart too well to wrong thee fo.
I know thee too, too capable of weaknefs ;
But not of purpos'd blood. I favv this danger;
But thy own eyes, even on the brink of fate,
Were blinded by thy love, and thou art f tU'n.
Thy hufband murder'd by thy lover's hand ;
The council that accufes, will condemn thee,
And ignominious death becomes thy doom.
I came to warn thee, and prepare thy fpirit.
Now, hafl'ning back, try every hope for par Jon ;
Or, failing to redeem thee, fhaie thy death.

J#z, My pardon !— Pardon at thefe wretches hands !
The prince my father floophis prayers to them !
Death, if it hi'des me from that thought, is rapture.
Ah, Sir, live on ! hopefliil fome happier day,
To pay back all thefe pangs, and blefs Peru ;
Wait that due day, and love the loft Alzira :
'Tis all the prayer Hie makes, and all ihe willies.
I pity dying Carlos ; for I find
His fate too cruel : and I mourn it deeper,
Thro' fear he has deferv'd it. As for Z tmor,
Whofe rafhnefs has reveng'd a country's wrongs

UrgM

A L Z I R A. 49

UrgM by too keen remembrance of his own,
I neither cenfure nor excufe his dee*}.
I would have {laid him ; but he rulh'd to die ;
And 'tis not in my choice to live without him.

E-zm. Shed thy wifli'd mercy here, all-powerful
Heaven! [Exit.

dlz. My weeping father call'd on Heav'n to lave me.
I will not talk the grace or Heav'n fo far :
Let me no longer be. and I'm not wretched.
The Almighty Chriitian Power, that knows me innocent,
Exacts (they lay) long life, in fix'd diitr^efs ;
And futters not the brave to fhorten woe.
If fo, the gods, once mine, were lefs fevere :
Why fhould the wretch, who hopes not, ftruggleon,
Thro' viewlefs lengths of circling miferies,
And dread the hand of death, that points to refuge ?
SureChriitiuns, in this tale, belie their god.
His conqu'ring favourites, whom he arms with thunder,
Can they have right, from him, to wafle the world,
To drive whole millions into Death's cold arms ?
And (hall not I, for fafety, claim that power
Which he permits to them for martial rage ?
Ah, Zamor coir.es ! They lead him out to die.

Enter Zamor in chains, guardedly Spaniards.

Zctm. Kind in their purpos'd infuk, they have brought
Where my expiring foul (hall mix with thine. [me

Yes, my Alzira, we are doom'd together.
Their black tribunal has condemn'd us both.
But Carlos is not dead — that wounds me deepeft.
Carlos furvives, toboafl fhort triumph o'er us ;
And dies fo (lowly, that our fate comes firih
Yet, he muft die ; my hand not err'd fo far,
But he mull die : and when he does, my foul
Shall match th' expected moment, hovering, watchful,
And hunt him, in revenge, from frar to fhvr.
Pious Alvarez, mournful comes behind,
Charg'd with our bloody fentence, iign'd in council,
That murder may be fandtificd by form.
My only grief is, that thou diefl tor me.

Alz. That, that (hould leave thy grief without a caufe.
Since I am thus belov'd, to die with Zamor,
Is happinefs imhop'd. Blefs, blefs my fate,

E Fof

$o A L Z I R A.

For this fole blow, that could have broke ray chain.

Think that this period of fuppos'd diilrefs,

This moment, that unites us, tho' in deatli,

Is the firil time my love was free irom woe.

The fmiling fate reilores me to myfelf ;

And I can give a heart, now all my own.

If there's a caufe for tears, Alvarez claims 'em :

I while he fpeaks our doom, {hall feel but his. [rand.

Zam, See where the mourner conies, and weeps his er-
Rntcr Alvarez.

Afo. Which of us three, does fortune rcioft diftrefs ?
What an afTemblage ours, ot mingled woes ?

Zam* Since Heaven will have it io, that, from thy
I fhould receive Death's fummons, let it come : [tongue,
'Twill have one power to pleafe — for I ihall hear tkee.
Do not then pity, but condemn me boldly ;
And, if thy heart, tho' Spaniih, bends beneath it,
Think thou but doom'it an unfubmitting favage,
Who kill'd thy ibn, becaufe unlike his father.
But what has poor Alzira done againft thee ?
Why in ufl (lie die in whom a people lives ;
In whom alone glows that collected foul,
That, in part ages, brighten'd all Peru ?
Is innocence a crime where Spaniards judge ?
Known, and affum''u by us, for all thy virtues,
The jealous envy of thy land reclaims thee,
And crops thy Indian growth, to creep like Spain.

AIz. Wond'roua old virtue ! obftinately kind !
Thou, iingly juft, am id ft a race of thieves !
'Twere to be bafe as they are, could I itoop
To deprecate a vengeance duly thine.
For thy fon's blood be mine the willing facrifice.
All I require is but efcape from (lander ;
From poor fufpicion of a guilt I fcorn.
Carlos, tho' hated, was a hated hufoand ;
Whence, even my hatred ow'd his life defence.
He was A'varez' fon too ; and, as fuch,
Call'd for that rev'rence which himfelf deferv'd not.
As for thy nation, let them praife or blame me ;
Thy \vitnefs only can be worth my claim.
As for my death, 'tis joy to die with Zamor :
And ail the pain 1 fuiTer — is for thee.

3 Ah.

A L Z I R A. $.t

Al<v. Words will have way ; or grief, fupprefs'd in vain,
Would hurft its paflage with th' out-rufhing foul.
Whofe farrows ever match'd this mingled fcene
Of tendernefs with horror ? My fon's murderer
Is Zamor : he who guarded me from murder,
Is alfo Zamor. Hold that image fad,
Afflicted nature. Life, unwifh'd by rne
Is due to Zamor. Young, belov'd, untry'd
In hope's falfe failings, lite might make him happy.
My tatte of time is gone ; and life, to me,
Is but an evening's walk in rain and darknefs.
Father I am (at leail I was a father) ;
Bur every father fir It was form'd a man :
And, fpite ot nature's call, that cries for vengeance,
The voice of gratitude muit itill be heard.
Oh, thou, fo late my daughter ! thou, whom yet,
Spite of thefe tears, I call by that lov'd name !
Miftake not my purfuit. I cannot taftc
Thole horrible reliefs that rife from blood.
It iliocks me thro' a foul that feels for three.
Hard itrokeof juftice ! thus to loll- at oijce,
My daughter, my deliverer, and my fon.
The council, with mifguided view to footh me,
111 chofe my tongue to tell their dreadful will.
True, I receiv'd the charge ; .for I had weigh 'd it*
' Fwere not impoffible, perhaps, to fave you :
Zamor might make it eafy.

Zam. Can I do it ?

Can Zamor fave Alzira ? Quickly tell me
How, by what length of torments, and 'tis done r

Alv. Caft off thy idol gods, and be a Chriitian :
That fingle change reveries all our fates.
Kind to the courted fouls of Pagan converts,
We have a law remits their body's doom.
This latent law, by Heaven's peculiar mercy,
Points out a road, and gives a right to pardon.
Religion can difarm a ChrifUan's anger.
Thy blood becomes a brother's, fo converted,
And with a living fon repays a dead.
Prevented vengeance, feiz'd in her defcent,
So reib fufpended, and forgets to fall.
-From thy new faith, Alzira draws new life ;

E 2 And

$2 ALZIRA.

And both are happy here, and fav'd hereafter.
Why art thou iilent ? Is the talk fo hard,

To add eternal lite, to life below?

Speak from thy choice, determine my relief,

Fain wou'd I owe thee yet a fecond being.

Yes to reftorethe life thou robb'it me of,

A childlefs father willies thee to live.

.Alzira is a Clinician ; be thou fo.

'Tis all the recompence my wrongs will urge.

Zam. [To Alzira.] Shall we, thou faireii, nobleft
boaft of beauty !

Shall we fo far indulge our fear to die ?

Shall the foul's bafenefs bid the body live?

Shall Zamor's gods bow to the gods of Carlos ?

Why wou'd Alvarez bend me down to fliame ?

"Why wou'd he thus become the fpirit's tyrant ?

Into how'ftrangea mare am I impeli'd !

Either Alzira dies, or lives to (corn me !

Tell me When fortune gave thee ro my power,

Had I, at fuch a purchafe, held thy life,

Tell me, with honefl truth- --wou'd thou have bought it ?
Alv. 1 fhou'd have pray'd the power, I now implore,

To widen, for his truth, a heart like thine :

Dark as it is, yet worthy to be Chriitian.

Zam. [To Alzira.] Death has no pain, but what I
feel for thee.

Life has no power to charm, but what thou giv'ft it.

Thou, then, art my foul, vouchfafe to guide it.

But, think ! ---remember, ere thou bid'it me chufe !

'Tis on a matter of more weight than life j

'Tis on a fubjec5t that concerns my gods :

And all thole gods in one my dear Alzira!

I trull it to thy honour Speak -and fix me.

3f thou conceiv'it it mame, thou wilt difdain it.

Silz, '\ hen, hear me, Zamor, ---My unhappy father
Diipos'd my willing heart, 'twixt heaven and thee :
The God, he chofe, was mine: — -thou may'il, perhaps,
Accufe it, as the weaknefs of my youth :
But, 'twas not fo. My foul, enlarg'd, and clear,
Took in the folemn light of Chriftian truth.

I faw at leaft, I thought I favv, conviction.

And, when my lipsabjur'd my country's gods,

My

A L Z I R A. 53

My fecret heart confirmed the change within.

But had I wanted that directive zeal,

Had I renounc'd my gods, yet itill believ'd 'em ;

That had not been error, but a crime :

That had been mocking Heaven's whole hoft, at once ;
The powers I quitted, and the power I chofe.
Achang'd like that, had err'd, beyond the tongue :
And taught the iilenr, fervile foul, to lie.
1 cou'd have wifh'd, that Heaven had lent thee light,

But fmce it did not let thy virtue guide thee.

Zam. I knew thy gen'rous choice, before I heard it.
Who, that can die with thee, wou'd ihuufuch death,

And live to his own infamy ? Not Zamor.

Alv. Inhuman ilightersof yourfelves^and me !
Whom honour renders blind, and virtue cruel !

[A dead march*

Hark!---the time pre!Tes.---Thefe are founds of forrow.
Enter Don Alonzo, followed by a mixed Crowd ^/"Spa
niards and Americans, mournful.
Aim. We bring obedience to his laft command,
Our dying captain, your unhappy fon,
Who lives no longer, than to leach your bofom.
A furious crowd of his lamenting friends
Frefs, to attend him, and revenge his blood.
JEnter Don Carlos. Ir might in by Spanilh Soldier .r,
furroundcd ly a Number of followers ^ fomc of inborn ad-
fancC) to feize Alzira.

Zam. \mlnterpo/ing.~\ Wretches ! keep diftance.- Let

Alzira live ;

Mine was the Tingle guilt — be mine the vengeance.

Alz. Be feafted, ye officious hounds or blood :
Guiltlefs or guilty, 'tis my choice to die.

Ah. My fon ! my dying fun !---this filent palenefs,
This look, fpeaks for thee, and forbids all hope.

Zam. \To Don Carlos.] Even to the laft then, thon

maintain'ft thy hate ?

Come---fee me fuffer ; mark my eye ; and fcorn me,
If my expiring foulconfefles fear.
Look- --and be taught, at lead, todie---by Zamor.
D. Car. [To Zamor.] I have no time to copy out thy

virtues :

But, there are fome of mine, I come to teach thee.
£ 3 I

54 A L Z I R A.

I mcu'd, in life, have given thy pride example :
Take it, too late, in dtTath ; and mark it well.
[Ta Aiv.] Sir, my departing fpirit ftaid its journey,
Firit, 'till my eyes might leave their beams in yours ;
And their dim lights expire, amidd your bleffing.
Next, what you taught me, 'tis my t-afk to fhow,
And die the f,;n ot your paternal virtue.
— — — Iiac;er in life's warm race, I never flopp'd
To look behind me, and review my way.
But, at the golf, be tore I judj/d it near,

I {fore and recollect forgotten Hidings.

On the grave's ierious verge, I turn — and fee

Humanity oppreis'd, to cherifh pride :

Heaven has reveng'd the t anh : — and Heav'n is juft !

Ceu'd my own blood but expiate what I filed,

All my rafh fwordhas drawn from fuff'ring innocence,

I (hou'd lie i''>wn in dull -and re it in peace.

Cheated by profp'rous fortune, death deals plainly ;

Bui 1 have learnt to live, when life toriakes me.

Safe and forgiven, be the hand I fall by.
Power is yet .mine ; and u abfolves my murder.
Live, my proud enemy; and live in freedom.

Live and obferve, tho' Chriilians oft acl: ill,

They mult forgive ill actions in mother.

— Eiunont, my friend ! and you, ye friendlefs Indians I

Subjects, not ilaves ! be rul'd henceforth by law.

Be grateful to my pity, though 'twas late ;

And teach your country's kings to fear no longer.

— Rival, learn hence the difference 'tvvixt our gods ;

Thine have infpir'd thee to purfue revenge :

But mine, when that revenge had reach my life,

Command me to eflecm, and give thee pardon.

dlv. Virtues like theie, my fon, fecure thy peace :
But double the diilrefs of us who lofe thee.

Alz. Of all the painful wonders thou hail caus'd me,
This change, this language, will afllitt me moil !

Zam. Die foon, or live for ever. — If thou thus
Go'ft on, to charm my anger into envy,
I (hall repent, I was not born a Chriftian,
And hate the jufnce that compelled my blow !

D. Car. I will go farther yet ; — I will not leave thee.
Till I have foften'd envy into friendfhip.

—My

A L Z I R A. $$

— Mournful Alzira has been too unhappy :
Lov'd todiftrefs, and married to misfortune !
I wou'd do fomething to atone her wrongs j
And with a fofter fenfe, imprint her pity.

Take her — and owe her to the hand flie hates.

Live — —and remember me without a curfe.

Refume loll empire o'er your conquer'd flutes :

Be friends to Spain : — nor enemies to me.

[To Alvarez.] — Vouchfafe my claim, Sir, to this ion,

this daughter:

And be both father and protedor too.
May Heaven and you be kind ! and they be Chrillians !

Zam, I ftand immoveable — confus'd — aitonifh'd
If thele are Chriftian virtues, I am ChrifKan.
The faith that can infpire this gen'rous change,

Muil be divine, and glows with all its God !

• Friendfliip, and constancy, and right, and pity,

All thele were leflbns I had learnt before.

But this unnatural grandeur of the foul

Is more than mortal ; and out reaches virtue.

It draws — it charms — it binds me to be Chriftian.

It bids me blufh at my remember'd rafhnefs :

Curfe my revenge and pay thee all my love.

[Throws himfelf at bis feet*

Alx. A widow'd wife, blufhing to be thus late,
In her acknowledgment of tender pity ;
Low, at your injur'd feet, with proitrate heart,

[Kneels with Zam or.

Weeps your untimely death ; and thanks your goodnefs*
- • Torn by contending paffions, I want power

To fpeak a thouland truths, I fee you merit :
But honour andconfefs your greatnefs wrong'd.

D. Car. Weep not, Alzira — I forgive again.
— For thelaft time, my father, lend your bo torn.
Live to be blefs'd ! — and make Alzira fo !
Remember, Zamor — that a Chriftian— -Oh ! [Die:-.

Ah. [To Ezmont.'] I fee the hand of Heaven in our

misfortune.
But juftice flrikes ; and fuff'rers muft fubmit.

Woes are good counfellors ; and kindly fiiow,

What profp'rous error never lets us know.

END of the FIFTH ACT,

EPILOGUE.

^Spoken by ALZIR A.

Fifth Aclpaffd, you'll think it Jlrange to find
Myfccnc of deep diftrefs is yet behind.
TaJI? d for the epilogue, I fear you'll blame
My want — of what you love, behind that name,
'But, for my foul '. I can't, from fuch highfcening^
Defcend, plum down at once — to double-meaning.
Judges ! protect me — and pronounce it fit,
That jolemn fenje,fyou'> d end swithferious ivit»
When the full heart overflows with plea/ing pain,
Why Jbould we <wijb to make ttf imprcjjion vain ?
It r'hy, <vjben two thinking hours have fix* d the play ^
Shot? tl two light minutes, laugh its ufe away?
9 Twer e to proclaim our virtue* but ajejt,
Should they who ridicule "*cm, pie of e us befi.
"No — rather, at your after1 s hands require
Offerings more apt ; and a fublimcr fire !
^Thoughts that may ; ivet, not efface, the fcene :
Aids to the mind ; not fiat fries for the fplcen*
When love, hate, pity, — doubt, hope, grief, and rag?,
With clajbing influence, fire the glowing fi age '^
When the touched heart, relenting into woe,
from others fate, does its own danger know :
When foft1 ning tcndcrnefs unlocks the r.iind,
And ihtftritcttdbofom takes in all mankind :
Sure, "*tis no time, fa,' the b»ld hand of ivit
To fiat cb back virtues from the plundered pit.
Still be it curs, to giveyoufcenes thus fir ong,
Andyours to cherijh, and retain ^cm long I
Then Jh all thjcfi age its general ufe endear ;
And every virtue gather firmnefs here.
Pow'r be to par don, — wealth to pity mov'd',
And truth be taught the art, to grow belief d ;
V/omcn to charm, with fafi and Jure cffctt ,
/hid men to love 'cm with ftfoft refpctt,
Till all alike, fome different motive roufes •
And tragedy^ unfarc\!^ invites full boufes.

PlLfiDRA and

J cene-

culp.

B E L Z, ' S EDITION.

PH&DRA& HIPPOLITUS.

A TRAGEDY,

As written ly Mr. EDMUND SMITH.

DISTINGUISHING ALSO THE

VARIATIONS OF THE THEATRE,

AS PERFORMED AT

sRopal in Cob

Regulated from th: Prompt- Book,

By PERMISSION of ih

By Mr. W I L D, Prompter

L 0 N D 0 I':

for JOHN BELC, near Ex't;r~£.-'cbjrge, ir; trie

r; acctxsvit,

[ 3 ]

To the Right Honourable

CHARLES.

LORD HALIFAX.

MY LORD,

AS foon as Itwas made known that your Lordfhip was
not difpleafed with this play, iny friends began to
value themfelves upon the intereft they had taken in its
iuccefs : I was touched with a vanity I had not before
been acquainted with, and began to dream ol: nothing Ids
than the immortality of my work.

And I had fufficiently (hewn this vanity in infcribing
this play to your Lordfhip, did I only confider you as one.
to whom fo many admirable pieces, to whom the praifes
of Italy, and the heft Latin poem fince the ^Eneid, that
on the peace of Ryfwick, are confecrated. But it had
been intolerable prefumption to have addrefled it to you,
my lord, who are the niceft judge of poetry, were you
not alfo the greateft encourager or it ; to you who ex
cel all the prefent age as a poet, did you not furpafs ail
the preceding ones as a patron.

For in the times when the Mufes were moft encou
raged, the bell writers were countenanced, but never ad
vanced ; they were admitted to the acquaintance of the
greatell men, but that was all they were to expect.
The bounty of the patron is no where to be read at, but
in the works of poets ; whereao your Loidfhip'b will fill
thole of the hiftorians.

For, what tranfa&ions c;ui they write of, which have
not been managed by feme who were recommended by
your Lordfhip ? It is by your Lordfnip's means, that the
univerfities have been real nurferies tor the iUte ; that
the courts abroad are charmed by the wit and learning,
as well as the fagacity of our minifters ; that Germany,
Switzerland, Mulcovy, and even Turkey itielf, begins to
A 2 relifli

[ 4 J

reliih the politenefs of the Englifh ; that the poets at
home adorn that court, which they formerly ufed only to
divert ; that abroad they travel, in a manner very unlike
their predeceflbr, Homer, and with an equipage he could
not bellow, even on the heroes he den'gned to immor
talize.

And this, my Lord, fhews your knowledge of men, as
well as writings, and your judgment no lefs than your
generofity ; you have dillinguiflied between thole, who,
by their inclinations or abilities were qualified tor the
pleafure only, and thofe that were fit for the lervice or
your country ; you made the one eafy, and the other
ufeful : you have left the one nooccafion to with for any
preferment, and you have obliged the public by the pro
motion of the others.

And now, my Lord, it may feem odd that I mould
dwell on the topic of your bounty only, when I might
enlarge on fo many others ; when I ought to take
notice of that illuilrious family from which you are
fprung, and yet of the great merit which was nceeflary to
fet you on a level with it, and to raife you to that huufe
of peers, which was already filled with your relations ;
\vhenloughttoconiiderthebrightnefsofyourwit in pri
vate converfation, and the folid'uy of your eloquence in
public debates ; when I ought toadmire in you the polite
nefs of a courtier, and the fincerity of a friend; the
opennefs of behaviour, which charms all who ad-
drefs themfelves to you ; and yet that hidden referve,
which is neceflary for thcfe great affairs in which you are
concerned.

To pals over all thefe great qualities, my Lord, and
infill only on your generality, looks as if I foliated it
for myfelf ; but to that I quitted all manner of claim,
\vhen I took notice of your Lordfhip's great judgment in
the choice of thole you advance ; fo that all, at prefenr,
my ambition afpires to is, that your Lordfliip would be
j leafed to pardon this prefumption, and permit me to
profefs myfelf, with the? moil profound refpecl,
Your Loidihip's moll humble,

And mofl obedient fervent,

Ji I) M, S M I T H.

PRO-

[ 5 1

PROLOGUE.

Written by Mr. ADDIS ON.

j ONG has a race of heroes fiiPd the ftagc,

J hat rant ly note, and thro* the gftmut^ rave :
In fovgs and airs exprcfi their martial fire,
Combat in trills, and in a fcuge expire ;
Jf^ile , lulled ly found, and undifturlfd by <ri'//,
Calm and (crcne you indolently Jit j
And from ihc dull fatigue of thinking fi'e-e,
Hear the facetious fiddles repartee :
Our hmncfpun authors muft for/aki the fi?ld)
And Sbakcfprare ft the fufi Scarlatti yield.
To your new tajle the poet of this day^
Was l;y a friend ad-vis d to form his play :
flail frakntini, muficaliy coy,
Shunt? d P hydra's arms, and fcornd the proffered
it had not mov* d your wonder to have fc en
An eunuch Jij from an enamour* d queen :
Hov: vjoidd it plea ("c, Jbould Jhc in Englijh fpeak,
An. 'I could Hippdiius reply in Greek ?
]>ut be, a granger to your mod If?} ivny,
By your old > ulcs muft futnd or fall to-day ;
And hopes you -\\-ill you >• foreign tajle 'command,
To If'iti', J'cf mice ^ -ii'.-V/y -lo/'i?/ you undcrJlanJ^

D R-A-

DRAMATIS PERSON JR.

M E N.

, King of Crete, ••• •-- Mr. Barry.

Hippolitus ^ bis fon, in love with Ifmcna^ Mr. Lewis.

JLycon, minifter of Hate, - Mr. Lee.

Cratander, captain of the guards, Mr. Aickin,

W O M E N.

Pb<cdrar Thefeus's queen, in love with

Hippolititsy -- Mrs. Barry,

Jfmena, a captive princefs, in love with

. - Mrs. Bulkley.

Guards, Attendants.

PHAEDRA

C 7 1

PHAEDRA and HIPPOLITUS,

The rates diftingui/hcd by inverted com3st * tbus^ art omitted :n the
Reprefentatiort) and tboj'c printed In Italics are the additions of
the 'Theatre.

ACT I.

Enter Cratander and Lycon.

LYCON.
y 'TMS flrange, Cratander, that the royal Phaedra

A Should ftill continue refolute in grief,
And obftinately wretched :
That one fo gay, ib beautiful and young,
Of godlike virtue and imperial power,
Should fly inviting joys, and court deftru&ion.

Crat. Is there not caule, when lately join'd in marriage,
To have the king her hulband call'd to war ;
Then for three "tedious moons to mourn his abfence>
Nor know his fate ?

Lye. The king may caufe her forrow,.
But not by abfence : oft Fve ieen him hang
With greedy eyes, and languiih o'er her beauties :
She from his wide, deceived, defiring arms
Flew taitelefs, loathing ; whilft dejecled Thefeus,
\Vith mournful, loving eyes purfu'd her flight,
And dropt a iilent tear.

Crat, Ha ! this is hatred,
This is averfion, horror, deteftation.
Why did the queen, who might have culPd mankind,
Why did (he give her perfon and her throne
To one (lie loath 'd ?

Lye. Perhaps fhe thought it juft
That he (liould wear the crown his valour fav'd.

Crat* Could (he not glut his hopes with wealth and

Reward his valour, yet reject his love ? [honour ?

2 Why,

$ FILEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

Why, when a happy mother, queen and widow,
"Why did fhe wed old Thefcus, while his fon,
The brave Hippolitus, with equal yourh,
And equa Ibeauty, might have fill'd her arms ?

Lye. Hippoiitus, (in d-ftant Scythiaborn,
The warlike Amazon, Camilla's fon)
Till our queen's marriage, was unknown to Crete:
And lure the queen could wifh him iU'l unknown :
She loaths, deteils him, flies his hated prefence,
And (brinks and trembles at his very name.

Crat. Well may flie hate the prince fhe needs mufl fear ;
He may difpute the crown with Phaedra's fon.
He's brave, he's fiery, youthful, and belov'd ;
Kis courage charms the men, his form the women;
His very fports are war.

Lye. Oh, he's all hero ! feorns th* inglorious eafe
Of lazy Crete ; delights to fhine in arms,
To wield the iword, and launch the pointed fpear ;
To tame the gen'rous horfe, that, nobly wild,
Neighs on the hills, and dares the angry lion ;

* To join the ilrugjgling courfers to his chariot,

* To make their ftubborn necks the rein obey,

* To turn, or Hop, or ftretch along the plain.'
Now the queen's lick, there's danger in his courage —
tie mnfi 1)C watch* d*

Be ready with your guards— I fear Hippolitus.

[Exit Crat.

Fear him ! for what ? Poor, filly, virtuous wretch !
Affecting i*lovy, and contemning power :
Warm without pride, without ambition brave ;
A fer/elcfs hero, fit to be a tool
To thofe whofe godlike fouls are turn'd for empire.
An open, honeft fool, that loves ard hates,
And yet more fool to own it. fie hates flatterers ;
He hates me too : weak boy, to make a foe,
Where he might have a flave. I hate him too ;
Bur cringe and flatter, fawn, adore, yet hate him.
Let the queen live or die, the prince mult fall.

Enter Ifmena.

What, frill attending on the queen, Ifmena ?
Oh, charming virgin ! Oh, exalted virtue !
Can ftill your goodnefs conquer all your wrongs ?

Are

PH,£DRA AND HIPPOLITUS. 9

Are you not robb'd of your Athenian crown ?
Was not your royal father, Pallas, flain,
And all his wretched race, by conqu'ringThefeus ?
And do you {till watch o'er his confort, Phaedra ?
And dill repay fuch cruelty writh love ?

Ijm. Let them be cruel that delight in mifchief:
I'm of a fofter mold. Poor Phaedra's forrows
Pierce thro' my yielding heart, and wound my foul.

Lye. Now thrice the nfing fun has chear'd the world,
Since (he renew'd her flrength with due rcfrefhment ;
Thrice has the night brought eafe to man, to beaft,
Since wretched Phaedra clos'd her ftreaming eyes :

* She flies all reft, all necefTary food,

' Refolv'd to die, nor capable to live.'

Ijm. But now her grief has wrought her into frenzy ;
The images her troubled fancy forms
Are incoherent, wild ; her words disjointed :
Sometimes llie raves for mufic, light and air ;
Nor air, nor light, nor mufic calm her pains :
Then with extatic ftrength (lie fprings aloft,
And moves and bounds with vigour not her own.

Lye. Then life is on the wing ; then moft fiie finks,
When mofl file feems reviv'd. Like boiling water^
That foams and ruffes o'er the crackling wood,
And bubbles to the brim j ev'n then mail wafting,
When moft it fwells.

Ifm. My lord, now try your art ;
Her wild diforder may difclofe the fecret
Her cooler fenfe conceal'd ; * the Pythian goddefs

* Is dumb and fullen, till, with fury fill'd,

* She fpreads, fne riles, growing to the fight,

* She ftares, fhe foams, fhe raves ; the awful fecrets

* Burft from her trembling lips, and eafe the tortur'd

maid.'
But Phcedra comes ; ye gods, how pale, how weak !

Enter Phaedra and Attendants.

Pbrtd. Stay, virgins, ffoy ; I'll reft my weary {leps.
My ftrength torfakes me, and my dazzled eyes
Ake with the flufhmg light ; my loofen'd knees
Sink under their dull weight. Support me, Lycon,
Alas, I faint !

Lye. Afford her eafe, kind Heav'n ! [head *

fbtcel* Why blaze thele jewels round my wretched

4 Why

10 PHAEDRA AND H1PPOLITUS.

* Why all this labour'd elegance of drefs ?

' Why flow thcfe wanton curls in artful rings ?'

Take, fnatch them hence. Alas ! you all confpir*

To 'heap new forrows on my tortur'd foul :

All, all confpire to make your queen unhappy.

L,ady* This you required, and to the pleating talk
Call'd yoxir officious maids, and urg'd their art;
You bid them lead you from yon hideous darkneis,
To the glad •chearing day ; yet now avoid it,
And hate the light you fought.

Ph&d. Oh, my Lycon !
Oh, how I long to lay my weary head
On tender flow'ry beds, -and fpnnging grafs \
To ft retch my limbs beneatli the fpreading ihades
Of venerable oaks ; to flake my thirft
With the cool nec~hr of refrefliing fprings.

I.yc. I'll footh her frenzy. Come, Phaedra, let's away ;
Let's to the woods, and lawns, and limpid ilreams.

Pha^il. Come, let's away j and thou, moil bright Diana^
.Goddefs of woods, immortal, chaite Diana,

* Goddefs pref-ding o'er the rapid race/

Place me, Oh, place me in the dully ring,

Where youthful charioteers contend for glory !

See how they mount, and (hake the flowing reins ;
Bee from the goal the fiery courfers bound 5

Now they drain panting up the ileepy hill,

.Now fweep along its top, now neigh along the vale ;

How the car rattles, how its kindling wheels

Smoke in the whirl ! the circling fand afcends,

And in the noble dull the chariot's loft.
Ljc. What, Madam ?
Pb&d. Ali, my Lycon ! Ah ! what faid I ?

Where was I hurry M by my roving fancy ?

My languid eyes are wet with fudden tears,

And on my cheeks imbkkien blufhes glow.

Lye. Then blulh ; but blufli for your deftrucYive filer.c?,

That tears your foul, and weighs you down to death.

Oh, fhould you die! (yepow'rs forbid her death !)

Who then would fliield from wrongs your helplefs orphan ?

He then might wander, Phaedra's fon might wander,

A naked fuppliant, thro' the world, for aid.

6 Then he may cry, invoke his mother's name ;

* He

PILEDRA AND HIPPOLITU3. n

* He may be doom'J to chains, to fliame, to death,"
While proud Hippolltus ' fhall mount his throne.'

Pb.i'J, Oh, Hrav'ns !

7,vv. Ha, Phxdru ! are you touch 'd at this ? [fpokc ?

Pf'tifiL Unhappy wretch ! What name was that you

Lvc. And docs his r.ame provoke your jufl refentments ?
Then let it raife your fear, as well as wrath :
Think how you wrong'd him, to his tather wrong'd him j
Think how you drove him hence, a wand'ring exile,
To dulunt climes ; then think what certain vengeance
His rage may wreak on your unhappy orphan.
For his Like then renew your drooping fpirits ;
Feed wiih new oil the wailing lamp of life,
That winks and trembles, now, juil now expiring:
Make haile, prderve your lite.

PLiJ. Alas ! too long,
Too long have I preferv'd that guilty life.

Lye. Guilty! What guilt? Has blood, has horrid mur-
Jmbru'd your hands ? [der

Pbfcd. Alas, my hands are guiltlefs !
But, Oh, my heart's delii'd !
I've f-iid too much ; forbear the reft, my Lycon ;
And let me die, to fave the black confeffion.

Lye. Die, then, but not alone; old faithful Lycoa •
Shall be a victim to your cruel filence.
Will you not tell ! Oh, lovely, wretched queen !

* By all the cares of your firft infant years ;'

By all the love, and faith, and zeal I've (hewn you,
Tell me your griefs, unfold your hidden forrows,
And teach your Lycon how to bring you comfort.
' Pbted. What fhall I fay, malicious, cruel pow'rs ?

* Oil, where fhall I begin ! Oh, cruel Venus !

* How fatal love has been to all our race \

* Lye. Forget it, Madam ; let it die in iilence.*

PbaJ. Oh, Ariadne ! Oh, unhappy filter !

Lye. Ceafe to record your fitter's grief and fhame.

PbcdL And (ince the cruel god of love requires it,
I fall the lail, and moft undone of all.

Lye. Do you then love ?

Pbrtd. Alas ! I groan beneath
The pain, the guilt, the fhame. of impious love.

/4r. Forbid it, Heaven !

PkxJ.

it PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS*

Pbad. Do not upbraid me, Lycon.

I love Alas, I Ihudder at the name !

My blood runs backward, and my fault'ring tongue

Sticks at the found 1 love Oh, righteous Heav'n :

Why was I born with fuch a fenfe of virtue,

So great abhorrence of the fmalleft crime,

And yet a fiave to fuch impetuous guilt ?

Rain on me, gods, your plagues, your fharpeft torture?

Afflicl my foul with any thing but guilt ;

And yet that guilt is mine I'll think no more ;

1*11 to the woods among the happier brutes.

Come, let's away ; hark, the fhrill horn refounds ;

The jolly huntfmen's cries rend the wide heav'ns.

Come, o'er the hills purfue the bounding ftag;

Come, chafe the lion and the foamy boar ;

Come, roufe up all the monfters of the wood ;

For there, ev'n there, Hippolitus will guard me.
Lye. Hippolitus !
Pbrtct. Who's he that names Hippolitus ?

Ah, I'm betray'd, and all my guilt difcover'd !

' Oh, give me poifon, fwords ! I'll not live, nor bear it ;

4 I'll flop my breath.

4 Ifm. I'm lofl ; but what's that lofs ?

Hippolitus is loft, or loft to me.

Yet ihould her charms prevail upon his foul •

Should he be falfe, I would not wifh him ill ;

With my laft parting breath I'd blefs my lord ;

Then in fome lonely defert place expire,

Whence my unhappy death lhall never reach him,

Left it fhould wound his peace, or damp his joys. [AfitkS

Lye, Think ftill the fecret in your royal breaft ;

Vor. by the awful majefty of Jove,

By the all-feeing fun, by righteous Minos,

By all your kindred gods, we fwear, Oh, Phaedra !

Safe as our lives we'll keep the fatal fecret.

' Ifm. feV. We fwear, all fwear, to keep it ever fecret.*
PhtccL Keep it! from whom? Why it's already known;

The tale, the whifper of the babbling vulgar.

Oh, can you keep it from yourfelves ; unknow it ?

Or do you think I'm fo far gone in guilt,

That I can fee, can bear the looks, tht eyes

Of one who knows my black detefted crimes ;

Of one who knows that Phaedra loves her fon ?

PHxEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS. 1

Lye. Unhappy queen ! auguft, unhappy race !
Oh, why did Theieus touch this fatal fhore?
Why did he fave us from Nicander's arms,
To bring worfe ruin on us by his love ?

Pbad. His love indeed ; for that unhappy hour
In which the priefts join'd Thefeus' hand to mine,
Shew'd the young Scythian to my dazzled eyes.
Gods ! how I fhook \ what boiling heat inflam'd
My panting breait ! how from the touch of Theieus
My Hack hand dropp'd, and all the idle pomp,
Priefts, alrars, victims, twain before my light !
The god of Love, ev'n the whole god, poiTeiVd me.

Lye. At once, at full poiieis'd you !

Pbad. Yes, at firil.
That fatal ev'ning we purfu'd the chace,
When from behind the wood, with raiding found,
A monitrous boar rulli'd forth : * his baleful eyes

* Shot glaring fire, and his ftift- pointed briftles

* Rofe high upon his back :' at me he made,
Whetting his tufks, and churning hideous foam ;
Then, then Hippolitus flew in to aid me :
Collecting all himfelf, and riling to the blow,

He launch'd the whittling Ipear ; the well-aim'd jav'Iin
Pierc'd his tough hide, and quiver'd in his heart ;
The monfler fell, * and gnafhing with huge tufks,

* Plow'd up the crimfon earth.' But then Hippolitus!
Obds ! how lie mov'd and look'd, when he approach'4

me !

* When hot and panting from the favage conqueil,

* Dreadful as Mars, and as his Venus lovely,

' His crimfon cheeks with purple beauties glow \1,

* His lovely fparkliug eyes fliot martial fires.'
Oh, godlike torm ! Oh, extacy and tranfport !

My breath grew fliort, my beating heart fprung upward,

And leap'd and bounded in my heaving boibm.

Alas, Tm ple;is'd ; the horrid ftory charms me. —

No more — That night with fear and love I iicken'd.

Oft I receiv'd his fatal charming viiits ;

Then would he talk with fueh an heav'nly grace,

Look with i'uch dear companion on my pains,

That I could wifli to be ib fick for ever.

My ears, my greedy eyes, my thirity foul,

B Drr.uk

H PH^DRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

Drank gorging in the dear delicious poifon,

* Till I was loft, quite loft in impious love.
' And fhall I drag an execrable life ?

* And fhall I hoard up guilt, and treafure vengeance ?

* Lye. No ^labour, ftrive, fubdue that guilt, and live.

4 Pbecd. Did I not labour, ftrive, all-feeing pow'rs !

Did I not weep and pray, implore your aid)

Burn clouds of incenfe on your loaded altars ?

Oh, I call'd heav'n and earth to rny afliltance,

All the ambitious thirft of fame and empire,

And all the honeft pride of confcious virtue :

I flrvjggled, rav'd ; the new-born paffion reign'd

Almighty in its birth.'

Lye. Did you e'er try

To gain his love?

Ph&d. Avert fuch crimes, ye pow'rs !
No ; to avoid his love I fought his hatred :
I wrong'd him, ilmnn'd him, baniih'd him from Crete ;
I lent him, drove him, from my longing light :
In vain I drove him, for his tyrant form
Reign'd in my heart, and dwelt before my eyes.
If to the gods I pray'd, the very vows
I made to heav'n were by my erring tongue
Spoke to Hippolitus. If I try'd to ileep,
Straight to my drowfy eyes my reftlefs fancy
Brought back his fatal term, and curs'd my llumber, ]
4 lye. Firft let ine try to melt him into love.'
Pb&d. No ; did his hapleis paffion equal mine,

I would refute the blifs I moft delir'd,

Confult my fiime, and facrifke my life.

Yes, I would die, heav'n knows, this very moment,

Rather than wrong my lord, my hufband Theleus.
Lv.. Perhaps that lord, that hufband is no more ;

He went trom Crete in hafte, his army thin,

To meet the numerous troops of fierce Molollians ;

Yet though he lives, while ebbing life decays,

Think on your fon.

Pb&iL rilas, that (hocks me.

Oh, let me fee my young one, let me fnatch

A hafty farewel, a laft dying kifs.

Yet flay j his fight will melt my juft refolves :

Bur, Oh, 1 beg with my lail tallying breath,

Cheriih my babe. Enter

PH/EDRA AND HIPPOLITUS. i$

Enttr JMejJcngcr.
Madam, I grieve to tell you

What you muft know : your royal hufband's dead.

PtxeJ. Dead ! Oh, ye pow'rs !

Lye, Oh, fortunate event !
Then earth-born Lycon may afcend the throne,
Leave to his happy fon the crown ot love,
And be ador'd like'hi:n. Be buffi 4 my joys. [JjtJe.

Mourn, mourn, ye Cretans ;

Since he is dead whole valo.ur fav'd your iile,

Whole prudent care with flowing plenty crown'd

Hi? peaceful fubjects ; as your tow ring Ida.

With fpreading oaks, and with defending itreams,

Shades nnd enriches all the plains below,'
Say how he dy'd.

Mfjp, He dy'd as Thefeus ought,
In battle dy'd : Philotas, now \\ prifoner,
That rufiung on fought next his royal per fon,
That faw his thund'ring arm beat icjuadrons down,
Saw the great rival of Alcides fall.
Thefe eyes beheld his well-known fteed, beheld
A proud barbarian glittering in his arms,
Encumber'd with the fpoil. [Exit.

Pbad. Is he then dead ?
Is my much-injur'd lord, my Thefeus, dead?
And don't I ilied one tear upon his urn ?
What ! not a iigh, a groan, a ibft complaint?
Ah, thefe are tributes due from pious brides,
From a chaite matron, and a virtuous wite :
But favage love, the tyrant of my heart,
Claims all my forrows, and ufurps my grief,

Lye. Difmifs that grief, - and give a loofe to joy :
He's dead, the bar of all your blifs is dead ;
Live then, my queen, forget the wrinkled Thefeus,
And take the youthful hero to your arms.

4 PhtfJ. I dare not now admit of fuch a thought,
' Andblefs'd be heav'n that fteel'd my ftubborn heart ;

* That made meiliun the bridal bed of Thefeus,

* And give him empire, but refufe him love.

4 Lye. Then may his happier fon be bleft with both ;
c Then rouze your foul, and mutter all your charms,

B i * Soothe

16 PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

' Soothe his ambitious mind with third of empire, ^
4 And all his. tender thoughts with foft allurements.'

Pfaed. But fhou'd the youth refufe my proffer'd love !
Oh, fhould he throw me from his loathing arms !
1 fear the trial ; for I know Hippolitus
Fierce in the right, and obftinately good :
' When round befet, his virtue like a flood, ^

* Breaks with retiftlefs force th' oppofing duns, . ;
4 And bears the mounds along ; they're hurry'd on,

* And iwell the torrent they were rais'd to Hop.'
I dare not yet lefolve ; 1*11 try to live,

And to the nu'ful gods I'll leave the reft.

Lye. Madam, your fignet, that your (lave may order,
What's moil expedient for your royal fervice.

Phced, Take it, and with it take the fate of Phaedra-. '
And thou, Oh, Venus! aid a fuppliant queen,
That owns thy triumphs, and adores thy pow'r,:

Oh, fpare thy captives, and fubdue thy foes !

On this cold Scythian ler thy pow'r be known,

And in a lover's caufe aflert thy own :

Then Crete as Paphos fliall adore thy flirine ; •»

This nurfe of Jove with grateful fires fliall ftiine, \

And with thy father's flames (hall worlhip thine.' J

'[Kxcunt Phaed. &c«

Lye. [Solus,] If (lie propofes love, why then as furcly
His haughty foul refufes it with fcorn. —
Say I confine him ! —If file dies he's fafe ;
And if fhe lives, I'll work her raging mind.
A woman fcorn'd, with eafe I'll work to vengeance s
With humble, wife, obfequious fawning arts
I'il rule the whirl and transport of her foul ;
That when herreafon hates, her rage may act.

When barks glide flowly through the lazy main,

Tthe baffled pi'ots turn the helms in vain ;

When driv'n by winds they cut the foamy way,

The rudders govern, and the fhips obey.

END of the FIRST ACT,

ACT

PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS. 17

ACT II.

To Phaedra and Lycon, enter McJJcugcr.

MESSENGER.

MADAM, the prince Hippolitus attends ,
Ph*d. Admit him. Where, where, Phaedra*s

now thy foul !

What — (hall I fpeak r And fliall my guilty tongue
Let this infultiivgviclor know his pow'r?
Or fliall I Hill confine within my breail
!My reitlefs patiions and devouring flames ?
But lee, he comes, the lovely tyrant comes.—
He rufhes on me like a blaze of light ;
I cannot bear the tranfport of his pre fence,
But fink opprefs'd with woe. [Swoons.

Enter Hippolitus.

Hip. Immortal gods !

What have I done to raife fuch ftrange abhorrence ?
What have I done to (hake her Shrinking nature
With my approach, and kill her wirh my light ?

i$c. Alas, another grief devours her foul,
And only your aili (lance can relieve her.

Hip. Ha ! make it known, that I may fiy and aid her,

J-^'c. But prcmife fir it, my lord, to keep it lecrer.

tiip. Promife ! I fvvcar, on this good f\vord I fwear,
This hvord, which firfl gain'd youthful Thefeus honour ?
Which oft has punifli*d perjury and falihood j
By thund'ring Jove, by Grecian Iltrcules,
' By the majeftic form ot godlike herot.'?,
• That mine around, and confecrate the fteel ;*
No rack?, no fliame, fiiall ever force it from me.

PhtcJ. Hippolituf.

Hip. Yes, 'tis that wretch, who begs you to difnufi
That hated objeft from your eyes forever.
Ecgs leave to march againil the foes of 1'hefeus,
And to revenge or (hare his lather's fate,

Pkietl. Oh, Hippolitus !

I own I've wrong'd you, moft unjulHy wrongM you ;
Drove you trom court, from Crete, and from your father ;
The court, all Crete, deplor'd their fuflering hero,
And 1 ^rhe lad occalion) mod of all.

B 3 Yet

is PH^DRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

Yet could you know relenting Phredra's foul !
Oh, could you think with what reluctant grief
I wrong'd the hero, whom I vvifh'd to cherifh !
Oh, you'd confefs ine wretched, not unkind,
And own thofe ills did moO: defcrve your pity,
"Which moil: procur'd your hate.

Hip. My hate to Phaedra !
Ha ! coird I hate the royal fpoufe of Thefeus,
My queen, my mother ?

Ph<zd. Why your queen and mother ?
More humble ties would iuit my loft condition.
Alas, the iron hand of death is ©n me,
And I have only time t'implore your pardon.
Ah, would my lord forget injurious Phaedra,
And with compaffion view her helplefs orphan !
Would he receive him to his dear protection,
Defend his youth from all encroaching foes!

Hip. Oh, I'll defend him ! with my life defend him !
Heav'n dart your judgment on this faithlefs head.
If I don't pay him all a Have's obedience,
And all a father's love.

P/W. A father's love !

Oh, doubtful founds ! Oh, vain deceitful hopes !
My grief's much eas'd by this tranfrending goodnefs,

And Thefeus' death fits lighter on my foul.

Death ! he's not dead ; he lives, he breathes, he fpeaks

3He lives in you, he's prefent to my eyes ;

I fee him, {peak to him. My heart 1 I rave,

And all my folly's known.
Hip. Oh, glorious folly !

See, Thefeus, fee, how much your PhredralovM you.
Pb&J. Love him, indeed ! • cote, languiih, die tor hiir

Forfake my food, my Deep, all joys for Thefeus ;

fc (But not that hoary venerable Thefeus)'

But Thefeus, as he was when mantling blood

Glcw'd in his lovely cheeks j ' when his bright eyes

' Sparkled with youthful fires ;' when ev'ry grace

Shone in the father, which now crowns the ion ;

"When Thefeus was Hippolitus.
Hip. Ka ! amazement ibikes me ;

Where will this end ?

Lye. Is't difficult to guefs ?

PPLEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS. 19'

Dees not her flying palenefs, ; that but now

* Sat cold and languid in her fading cheek,

*. (Where now fucceeds a momentary luilre)

* Does not her beating heart,' her trembling limbs,
Her wifhing looks, her fpeech, her prefent lilence,
All, all proclaim imperial Phaedra loves you ?

Hip. What do I hear ? What, does no lightning flafh,
No thunder bellow, when fuch monftrotis crimes
Are own'd, avow'd, confeft ? All-feeing fun !
Hide, hide in fliameful night thy beamy head,
And ceafe to view the horrors of thy race.
Alas, I (hare th' amazing guilt ; thefe eyes,
That firft infpir'd the black inceftuous flame,
Thefe ears, that heard the tale of impious love,
Are all accurs'd, and all deferve your thunder. i

~Phtfd. Alas, my lord ! believe me not fo vile.
No; * by thy godciefs, by thechaile Diana,
' None but my firft, my much-lov'd lord Arfamnes,

* Was e'er received in thefe unhappy arms.*
No ; for the love of thee, of thofe dear charms,
Which now I fee are doom'd to be my ruin,

I ftill deny'd my lord, my hufband Thefeus,
The chaile, the modeftjoys of fpotlefs marriage;
That drove him hence to war, to ftormy feas,
To rocks and waves, lefs cruel than his Phaedra.

Hip, If that drove Thefeus hence, then that UillM

Thefeus,
And cruel Phaedra kill'd herhulband Thefeus.

Pbad. Forbear, rafn youth, nor dare to roufe my ven
geance ;

Provoke me not ; nor tempt my fwelling rage
With black reproaches, fcorn, and provocation,
To do a deed my reafon would abhor.
Long has the fecret ftruggled in my breaft,
Long has it rack'd and rent my tortur'd bolbm ;
But now 'tis out. Shame, rage, contulion tear
And drive me on to acl: unheard-of crimes ;
To murder thee, myfelf, and all that know it,
As when convullions cleave the lab'ring earth,
Before the difmal yawn appears, the ground
Trembles and heaves, the nodding houfes crafh ;
He's fate, who from the dreadful warning flies,
But he that fees its opening bolbm dies. [Exit.

Hip,

20 PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

Hip* Then let me take the warning and retire ;
I'd rather iruft the rough Ionian waves,
Than woman's fiercer rage.

* [Ifmena^^w berfelf, liftening?

Lye. Alas, my lord !
You muft not leave the queen to her defpair.

Hip. Mufl not ! from thee ? from that vile upftart

• T I

Lycon !

Lye. Yes ; from that Lycon who derives his greatnefs
From Phaedra's race, and now would guard her life.
Then, Sir, forbear : view here this royal fignet,
And in her faithful flave obey the queen.

[Enter Guards and Cratander.

Guards, watch the prince, but at that awful diftance,
\Vith that refpeft, it may not feem confinement,
But only meant for honour.

Hip. So, confinement is
The honour Crete bellows on Thefeus* fon,
Am I confin'd ? and is't fo foon forgot,
When fierce Procrufles' arms o'er-ran your kingdom ?
When your flreets echo'd with the cries of orphans,
Your fhrieking maids clung round the hallow'd (brines,
When all your palaces and lofty towers
Smoak'd on the earth, when the red fky around
Glow'd with your city's flames (a dreadful luftre :)
Then, then my father flew to your ailiitance ;
Then Thefeus fav'd your lives, eitates, and honours.
And do you thus reward the hero's toil ?
And do you now confine the hero's fon ?

Lye. Take not an eafy fhort confinement ill,
Which your own fafety and the queen's requires.
Nor harbour tear of one that joys to ferve you.

Hip. Oh, I difdain thee, traitor, but not fear thee ;
Nor will I hear of fervices from Lycon.
Thy very looks are lies, eternal falfhood
Smiles in thy look?, and flatters in thy eyes :
Ev'n in thy humble face I read my ruin,
In ev'ry cringing bow and fawning fmile.
Why elfe d'ye whifper out your dark fulplcions ?
Why wi;h malignant elogies cncreafe
The people's fears, and praife me to my ruin ?
Why through the troubled ftreets of frighted GnofTus

4 Do

PPLEDRA AND- HIPPOLITUS. Vi

Do buckler?, helms, and polifh'd armour blaze ?

Why founds the dreadful din of inftant war, t

Whilll (till the foe's unknown ?

Lye. Then quit thy arts ;

Put off the ftatefinan, and refume the judge. [JJMef

Thou Proteus, fliift thy various forms no more,

But boldly own the god. That foe's too near.

[70 Hippolitus,

The queen's difeafe, and your afpiring mind,
Dillurb all Crete, and give a loofe to war.

Hip. Gods ! dares he fpeak thus to a monarch's fon, •
And mufl this earth-born Have command in Crete ?
Was it for this my godlike father fought ?
Did Theleus bleed tor Lycon ? Oh, ye Cretans,
See there your king, the fucceflbr of Minos,
And heir of Jove.

lye. You may as well provoke
That Jove you worfliip, as this Have you (corn.
Go feize Almaeon, Nicias, and all
The black abettors of this impious treafon.

[Exit a Soldier.

Now o'er thy head th* avenging thunder rolls j
For know on me depends thy inftant doom.
Then, learn, proud prince, to bend thy haughty foul,
And, if thou think'ft of life, obey the queen.

Hip. Then free from fear or guilt I'll wait my doom.
Whate'er's my fault, no ftain (hall blot my glory.
I'll guard my honour, you difpofe my life.

JLyc. Be it Jo j Cratander^ follow me.

[Exeunt Lye. dWCrat.

Hip. Since he dares brave my rage, the danger's near.
The timorous hounds that hunt the generous lion
JB,iy afar oft", and tremble in purfuit ;
But when he ftruggles in th' entangling toils,
Intuit the dying prey.

ILntcr Ifmena and Lady.
4 Tis kindly done, Ifmena,

* With all your charms to vifit my diflrefs ;

* Soften my chains, and make confinement eafy.'

Oh, Ifmena, is it then giv'n me to behold thy beauties !

* Thofe blufhingfweets, t hole lovely loving eyes 1*
To prefa, to itrain thce to my beating heart,

And

iz PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

And grow thus to ray love ! What's liberty to rhis ?
What's fameorgreatnefs ? take 'em, take 'cm, Phaedra,
4 Freedom and fame,' and in the dear confinement
Enclofe me thus tor ever.

Ifm. Oh, Hippolitus !
Oh, I could ever dwell in this confinement !
Nor wifh tor aught while I behold my lord :
But yet that wifh, that only vvifli is vain,
When my hard fate thus forces me to beg you,
Drive from your godlike foul a wretched maid :
Take to your arms (affift me, heav'n, to fptakit)
Take to your arms imperial Phaedra,
And think of me no more.

Hip. Not think of thee ?
What, part ! for ever part ? Unkind Ifme'na !
Oh, can you think that death is half fo dreadful,
As it would be to live, and live without thee ?
Say, fliould I quit thee, fhould I turn to Phaedra,
Say, couldii thoubearit? Could thy tender foul
Endure the torment of defpairing love,
And fee me fettled in a rival's arms ?

Ifm. Think not of me : perhaps my equal mind
May learn to bear the fate the gods allot me.
Yet would you hear me ; * could your lov'd Ifmena

* With all her charms o'er-rule your fullen honour,'
You yet might live, nor leave the poor Ifmena.

Hip. Speak : if I can, I'm ready to obey.

Jfm. Give the queen hopes.

liip. No more — my foul difdains it.
No ; fliould I try, my haughty foul would fvvell,
Sharpen each wrord, and threaten in my eyes.
Oh, fhould I iloop to cringe, to lie, foriwear ?
Deferve the ruin which I ftrive to fhun ?

Ifm. Oh, I can't bear this cold contempt of death !
This rigid virtue, that prefers your glory
To liberty or life. Oh, cruel man !

* By thefefad %hs, by thefe poor ftreaming eyes,

* By that dear love that makes us now unhappy,

* By the near danger of that precious life,

* Heav'n knows I value much above my own.

* What ! not yet mov'd ?' Are you relblvM on death ?

Then,

PH^DRA AND HIPPOLITUS. 23

Then, ere 'tis night, I fvvear by all the pow'rs,
This Heel fliall end my fears and life together.

4 Hip. You (han't be trufted with a life fo precious*

* No ; to the court I'll publifli yourdefign :

* Ev'n bloody Lycon will prevent your fate ;

* Lyeon (hall wrench the dagger from your bofom,

* And raving Phaedra will preierve Ifmena.

' Ifm. Phsedra ! come on, I'll lead you on to Phaedra :
1 I'll tell her all the fecrets of our love ;
' Give to her rage her clofe deftruclive rival :

* Her rival fure will fall ; her love may fave you.

* Come, fee me labour in the pangs of death,

* My agonizing limbs, my dying eyes,

' Dying, yet fix'd in deavh on my Hippolitus.'

Hip. i What's your deiign ?' Ye pow'rs ! what means

my love ?

Ifm. She means to lead you in the road of fate ;
She means to die with one fhe can't preierve.
Yet when you fee me pale upon the earth,
Thisonce-lov'd form grown horrible in death,
Sure your relenting foul would wifh you'd fav'd me.

Hip. Oh, I'll do all, do any thing to fave you ;
Give up my fame, and all my darling honour:

* I'll run, I'll fly; what you'll command I'll fay.'
I yield) IhncHfi. Hl.^at wouldyou have me d# ?

Ifm. Say what occafion, chance, or Heav'n Jnfpires ;

Say that you love her, that you lov'd her long ;

Say that you'll wed her, fay that you'll comply ;

Say, to preierve your life, fay any thing.

Blefs him, yc pow'rs ! and ir it be a crime \JLxit Hip.

Oh, if the pious fraud offend your julHce,

Aim all your vengeance on U'mena's head ;

Punifh Ifmena, but forgive Hippolitus.
He's gone, and now my brave refolves are ftagger'd ;
Now I repent, likefome defpairing wretch
That boldly plunges in the frightful deep,
That pants, and ilruggles with the whirling waves,
And catches ev'ry llender reed to fave him.'
LaJy. But fhould he do what your commands en-
join'd him,

Say, fliould he wed her ?

Ifm. Should he wed the queen ?

Oh,

24- PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

Oh, I'd remember that 'twas my requeft,
And die well pleas'd I made the hero happy.

Lculy. Die ! does Ifmena then refoive to die ?

Ifm. Can I then live ? can I, who lov'd ib well,
To part with all my blifs to lave my lover ?
Oh, can I drag a wretched life without him,
And fee another revel in his arms ?
Oh, 'tis in death alone I can have comfort !
Enter Lycon.

Lye. What a reverfe is this ? Perfidious boy,
Is this thy truth r is this thy boailed honour ?
Then all are rogues alike : I never thought
But one man honeit, and that one deceives me. \_Afuk.
Ifmena here ?

Ifmena. Now, my Lord, is the queen's rage abated?
Jiovj is the prince difpos'd ?

Lye. Happily.
All's changed to love and harmony, rwfa'r.

* 'Tis all agreed, and now the prince is fafe

* From the fvire vengeance of defpairing love ;'
Now Pbredra's rage is chang'd to ("oft endearments:
She doats, ilie dies ; and few, but tedious days,
With endlefs joys will crown the happy pair.

Ifm. Does he then wed the queen ?

Lye. At leaft I think fo.

I, when the prince approach'd, not far retir'd,
Pale with my doubts : he fpoke ; th* attentive queen
Dwelt on his accents, and her gloomy eyes
Sparkled with gentler fires ; he bluftiing bow'cl ;
She, trembling, loll in love, with loft confufion
Received hispaiiion, and return'dher own.
Then fmiling turn'd to me, and bade me order
The pompous rites of her enfuing nuptials,
Which I muft now purfue. Farewel, Ifmena. [Exit,

2fm. Then 1*11 retire, and not diilurb their joys.

Lady. Sray and learn more.

Ifm. . Ah ! wherefore fhould I ftay ?
What ! ftiall I Hay to rave, t'upbraid, to hold him ?
To. inatch the ilruggling charmer from her arms ?
For could you think that open gen'rous youth
Could with feign'd love deceive a jealous woman ?
* Could he fo loon grow artful in uiffcmbling ?

' Ah,

PHJSDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

* Ah, without doubt his thoughts infpir'd his tongue,

* And all his foul receiv'cl a real love.

* Perhaps new graces darted from her eyes,

' Perhaps fort pity charm 'd his yielding foul,

* Perhaps her love, perhaps her kingdom, charm d him ;
' Perhaps — alas, how many things might charm him !

* Lady. Wait the fuccefs : it is not yet decided.

* Ifm. Not yet decided ! did not Lycon tell us

' How he protected, fign'd, and look'd, and vow'd ?

* How the loft paflion languifh'd in his eyes rj
Ay, no, he -loves, he doats on Phaedra's charms.
Now, now he claips her to his panting breaft,

4 Now he devours her with his eager eyes,*
Now graf'ps her hands, and now he looks, and vows
The dear falfe things that chaim'd the poor Ifmena.
He comes; he ftill, my heart ; the tyrant come?,
Charming i hough falfe, and lovely in his guilt.

JE*ter Hippolitus.

IJip. Why hangs that cloudy forrowon your brow ?
Why do you figh ? Why flow yourfwelluig eyes?
Thole eyes that us'd with jcy to view Hippolitus.

////;. My lord, my foul is charm'd with your fuccefs.
You know, my lord, my fears are but for you,
For your dear life ; and lince my death alone
Can make you lafe, that foon /hall make me happy*
1 Yet had you brought leis love to Phaedra's arms,
4 My foul had parted with -a .lefs regret,
* Bleft if furviving in your dear remembrance.'

ll.:/>. Your death ! 4 my love! my marriage! and to

Phxdra :'
Hear me, Ifmeua.

Ifw. No, I dare not hear you.
But though you've been thus cruelly unkind,
Though you have left me for the royal PharJra,
Yet itill my foul o'er-runs with fondnefs tow'rdsyoU|
Yet rtill I die with joy to lave Hippolitus.

Hip. Die to lave me ! could I outlive Ifmena ?
Ifm. Yes, you'd outlive her in your Pha?dra's arms,
And may you thtre rind ev'iy b'ooming pleafure !
Oh, may the gods fnovvV bitirm^s 01 thy head !
* May the gods crow n thy glorious arms ui;h ccii^uell,
' And all thy ptaceful days with fure repofc !'

C Mav'ft

26 PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITU3.

May'ft thou be bleft with lovely Phaedra's charms,

And for thy cafe forget the loft Ifmena !

* Farewel, Hippolitus.'
Hip. Ifmena, ifoy,

Stay, hear me {peak ; or by th' infernal powers

I'll notfurvive the minute you depart.
Ifm. What would you fay ? ah ! don*t deceive my

weaknefs.
Hip. Deceive thee ! why, Ifmena, do you wrong me ?

Why doubt my faith ? Oh, lovely, cruel maid !

Why wound my tender foul with harfh fufpicion?

Oh, by tho'.e charming eyes, by thy dear love,

I neither thought nor fpoke, defign'd nor promise!,

To love, or wed the queen.
Ifm. Speak on, my lord,

My honeil foul inclines me to believe tlee ;

And much I fear, and much I hope I've wrong'd thee.
Hip. Then thus. I came and fpake, but fcarce of love ;

The eafy queen receiv'd my faint addrefs

With eager hope and unfuipicioi'S faith.

Lycon, with ieeming joy, difmifs'd my guards :

My gen'rous foul difdain'd the mean deceit,

But itill dece~iv'd her to obey Ifmena.

Ifm. Art thou then true ? Thou art. Oh, pardon me?

Pardon- the errors of a filly maid,

Wild with her tears, and mad with jeakrafy ;

For dill that fear, that jealoufy was love.

Hafte then, my lord, and fave yourfelf by flight ;
And when your abfent, when your godlike torm
Shall ceafe to chear forlorn Ilniena's eye?,
Then let each day, each hour, each minute, bring
Some kind remembrance of your conftant love ;
Speak of your health, your fortune, and your friend?,
(Forfure thofe friends ihall have my tender'fl wimes)
Speak much of all; but cf thy dear, dear love,
Speak much, fpeak very much, but ftill fpeak on.'
H'p. Oh, thy dear love fhall ever be my theme;

Of that alone I'll talk the live-long day ;

But ihus I'll talk, thus dwelling in thy eyes,

Tailing the odours of thy fragant boibm.

Come then, to crown me with immortal joys,

Come, be the kind companion of my flight,

Come,

PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS. 17

Come, hafte with me to leave this fatal more.
The bark before prepar'd for my departure
Experts its freight ; an hundred haty rowers
Have wav'd their iinevvy arm?, and call Hippohtus ;
The loolcn'd canvas trembles with the wind,
And the fea whitens with aufpidous gales.

* Jfm. Fly, then, my lord ; and may the gods protect

* Fly, ere inildious Lycon work rhy ruin ; [thee ,*
' Fly, ere my fondnels take thy life away ;

' Fly from the queen.

' Hip. But not from my Ifmena.

* Why do you force me from your heav'nly fight,

* With thofe dear arms that ought to clalp me to thee ?

* /////. Oh, I could rave for ever at my rate !

' And with alternate love and tear pofTds'd, [bre*ft,

* Now force thee from my arms, now fnatch thee to my

* And tremble till you go. but die till you return.
1 Nay, I could go. \e god?, if I fhowld go,

* What would fame fay ; if ) mould fly alone

* With a young, lovely prince, that charm'd my foul ?

* Hip. Say you did well to fly a certain ruin,

* To fly the fury of a queen incens'd,

' To crown with endlefs joys ihe youth thit lov'd you.

* Oh, by the joys our mutual loves have brought,

* By the blefs'd hours I've languiuVd at your feet,

* J3y all the love you ever bore Hippolitus,

* Come, fly from hence, and make him ever happy.

* Ifin. Hide me, ye pow'rs ! I never fhal I refill.

* Hip. Will you reiufe me f Can I leave behind me
All that infpiies my foul, and chears my eyes ?

Will you not go ? Then here I'll wait my doom.

Come, raving Phaedra, bloody Lycon, come j

I offer to your rage this worthleis life,

Since 'tis no longer my Ifmena's care.'

Ifiit. Oh, haOe away, my lord ! I go, I fiy
Thro' all the dangers of the boiiVrous deep.
When the wind whittles thro* the crackling mafts,
\\ hen thro' the yawning fliip the foaming fea
Rowls bubbling in ; then, (hen, 1'il clafp thee faft,
And in transporting love rorget my fear.
Oh, I will wander thro' the Scythian gloom,
O'er ice and hills of everiafting' fnow !

'C 2 ' There,

a* Pr-LEDRA AND HIPPOLITU9.

There, when the horrid ciarknefs ihall inclofe* us,
When the ble^ak u'ind fhall chill my fhiv'ring limbs,
Thou fhalt alone fuj>ply thedittant fun,
And chear my gazing eyes, and warm my heart.

Hip. Come, lei's away ; and, like another Jafon,
I'll bear my beauteous conqueil thro' the feas :
A greater treafure, and a nobler prize,
Than he from Colchos bore. Sleep, deep in peace
Ye monfters ot the woods, on Ida's top
Securely roam ; no more my early horn
Shall wake the lazy day. Transporting love
Reigns in my heart, and makes me all its own.
JSo, when bright Venus yielded up her charms,
The blefs'd Adonis tonguifiYd in her arms ;
Mis idle 1-orn on fragrant myitles hung,
His arrows icatter'd, and his bow unlbung:
Ohicure in coverts lie his dreaming hounds,
And bay the fancy 'd boar with tfeble founds ;
For nobler Ipom he quits the ravage tields,
And all rhe hero to the lover yields.

[Exeunt »
END of the SECOND Aci't

H

ACT III.
F.ntcr Lycon and Guanlf.

LYCON.

EAV'N is at laft appeas'd : the pitying- gods

Have heard our vvilhes, and aulpicious Jove-
Smiles on his native ifle ; for Phaedra lives,
Reflor'd to Crere, and to herfelf, fhe lives :
J;>y with frefli ftrength infpires her drooping limbs,

* Revives her charms/ and o'er her faded cheeks
Spreads * a frefh* rofy bloom : * as kindly fprings

* With genial heat renew the frozen earth,

4 And paints its Trailing face with gaudy flow'rs.

* But fee, file comes, the beauteous Piiuxira con.cs.

Enter Phaedra and four J_.aJie*.

* How her eyes fp.irkie ! how their radian i beams

* CoHid's theia" Ihirxing aucetlor she fun i*

Your

PH/EDRA AND HIPPOLITUS. 29

Your charms to-day will wound clefpairing crowds,
And give the pains you fuffer'd : nay, Hippolitus,
The fierce, the brave, th' inienfible Hippclrtus,
Shall pay a willing homage to your beauty,
And in his turn adore.

Pha-d. 'Tis flatt'ry all.

Yet, when you name the prince, that flatt'ry's p!eafing.
You wifh it ib, poor good old man, you wifh it.
The fertile province ot Cydonia's thine.
Is there aught elle ? Has happy Phcedra aught
In the wide circle of her far-ftretch'd empire ?
Alk, take, my friend, fecure of no repulfe.
Let fpacious Crcre, thro' all her hundred cities,
Kefound her Phnedra's joy. * Let altars fmoke,
' And richeit gums, and fpice, and incenfe roll
' Their fragrant wreaths to Heav'n, to pitying Heav'n,
' Which gives Hippolitus to Phaedra's arms.

* Set all at large, and bid the loathfome dungeons

* Give up the meagre flaves that pine in darkneis,
' And wafte in grief, as did defpainng Phasdra :

* Let them bechear'd, let the ibrv'd prilonm rior,

' And glow "vith gen'rous wine.5 Let forrow ce^ir ;
Let none be wretched, none, fince Phaedra's happy.
' But now he comes, and with an equal putiion

* Rewards my ilame, and fptings into rny arms !*

Enter Mrjj'cnjscr.
Say, where's the prince ?

Me fT. He's no where to be found.

Pbted. Perhaps he hunts.

Miff. He hunted not to-day.

Pi'fcJ. Ha! have you learch'd the walks, the cov.rrs,

Mcff\ Search'd all in vain. [the temples ?

Pbtsd. Did he not hunt to-day ?

Alas, you told me once before he did not ! \Exit Mc£\
My heart mifgives me.

Lye. ' So, indeed, doth mine.'
Then my fears -u'< re trite.

Pbxd. Could he deceive me? Could that godlike youth
Deiign the ruin of a queen that loves ?
Oh, he's all truth ! his words, his looks, his eyes,
Open to view his in moil thoughts — He comes — [polirns ?
lia! who ait thour Whence com'li thou? Where's Hip-
C 3 Enttr

jo IfJMinKA AND

Enter Mfflcngcr.

Meff* INI ad am, Hlppolitus, with fair Ifniena,
Drove tovvVd the port.

P/W. With fair Ifmena !
Curs'd be her cruel beauty, cursM her charms,
Curs'd all her foot h ing, fatal, falfe endearments.

* That heav'nly virgin, that exalted goodaels,

* Could fee me tortur'd with despairing love j

* With artful tears could mourn ray monftrous fuff'rings^

* While her bale malice plotted ray deftrudtioo-.*
Lye. A thoufand reafons crowd upon my foul,

That evidence their love.

* PheetL Yes, yes, they love ;

* Why elfe fliould he refufe my profferM bed ?

* Why fhould one warraM with youth, and th irit of glory,

* Difdain a foul, a form, a crown like mine?

* Lye.9 Where, Lycon, where was then thy boafted
Dull, thoughdefs wretch ! [cunning *

Pb<zfL Oh, pains un felt before !
The grief, d^ip:iir, the agonies, and
All the wild fury of did rafted love,

Are nought to this Say, famous politician,

IVhere, when, and how did their fir It paffion rife ?
IVhere did they breathe their iighs ? What fliady groves^
What gloomy woods, concealed their hidden loves £
Alas, they hid it not ! the well-pleas'd fun,
With all his beams furvey'd their guilt lefs flame j
Glad zephyrs watted their untainted fighs^.
And Ida echo'd their endearing accents.
While I, the fliame of nature, hid in darknefs,
.Far from the balmy air, and cheering light,
jPrefs'd down my fighs,and dry'd my falling tears,
Search'd'U retreat to mourn, and watch'dto grieve.

Lye. Now ceafe that griet, and let your injur'd love
Contrive due vengeance; let majeiric Phtedra,
That lov^U the hero, facriiice the villain*
Then hafte, fend forth your minifters of vengeance,
To fnarch the traitor from your rival's arms,
And force him, trembling, to your awful prefence.

Pbtfd. Oh, rightly thought !— Difpatch th' attending

Bid them bring forth their inflrumems of death ; [guards ;

4.

PH^DRA AND HIPPOLITUS. 31

Dart?, engines, flames, and launch into the deep,
And hurl fwift vengeance on the perjurM Have.

[Exit Mfffi'ygfy*

Where am I, gods ? What is't my rage commands ?
Kv*n now he's gone ; ev'n now the well-tim'd oars
With founding ftrokes divide the fparkling waves,
And happy gales aHift their fpeedy flight.

* Now they embrace, and ardent love enftam.es

6 Their flufhing cheeks, and trembles in their eyes.
4 Now they expofe my weaknefs and my crimes ;
4 Now to the fporting croud they tell my follies.*
Enter Cratander.

Crat. Sir, as I went to feize the perfons order'd.
I met the prince, and with him fair Ifmena ;
I feiz'd the prince, who now attends without.

Pbard. Hade, bring him in.

I$c. Be quick, and feize Ifmena. [Exit Cratanderl
Enter Hippolitus, iwV/6 two Guards.

Pb<tJ. Couldft thou deceive me ? Could a fon of The-
Stoop to fo mean, fo bafe a vice as fraud ; [feus

N;iyT a<ft fuch monftrous perfidy, yet Hart
From promised love ?

Hip. My foul difuain'd a promife.

Pbned. But yet your falfe equivocating tongue,
Your looks, your eyes, your ev'ry motion promised.
But you are ripe in frauds, and learn'd in fulfhcods,
4 Look down, Oh, Thefeus ! and behold thy fon,
4 As Scion faithlefs, as Procruftes cruel.

* Behold the crimes, the tyrants, all the monfters,

4 From which thy valour purg'd the groaning earth,

* Behold them all in thy own fon reviv'd.

4 Hip. Touch not my glory, left you ftain your own*
4 I ft ill have ftrove to make my glorious father
' Bluih, yet rejoice to fee himfelf outdone ;
1 To mix my parents in my lineal virtues,
4 As Thefeus juft, and as Camilla chafte.

4 Ph<ed. T he godlike Thefeus never was thy parent.
4 No, 'twas fome monthly Cappadocian drudge,

* Obedient to the fcourge, and beaten to her arms,
4 Begot thee, traitor, on the chafte Camilla.

4 Camilla chafte ! an Amazon, and chafte \

4 That -quits her fex, and yet retains her virtuet

4 See

32 PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

* See triechaile matron mount the neighing fteed ;

* In flri£f. embraces lock the ftruggling warrior,
4 And choofe the lover in the fturdy foe.

4 Enter Meffcngcr, and fecms to talk carnejlly with Lycon.

* Hip. No, fhe refus'd the vows of godlike Thefeus,

* And chofe to fland his arms, not meet his love ;

* And doubtful was the fight. The wide Thermodoon
' Heard the huge (Irokes refound ; its frighted waves

4 ConveyM the rattling din todiihmtfhores,

* While (he alone fupported all his xvar ;

4 Nor till fhe funk beneath his thund'i ing arm,
4 Beneath which warlike nations bow'd, would yield
4 To hone ft, wiiVd-for love.
4 Pted. Not fo her fon,

* Who boldly ventures on forbidden flames,
4 On one defccnded from the cruel Pallas,

4 Foe to thy father's perfon and his blood ;
4 Hated by him, of kindred yet more hated,
4 The lafl of all the wicked race he ruin'd.

* In vain a fierce fucceffive hatred reigu'd

* Between your fires ; in vain, like Cadmus* race,

* With mingled blood they dy'd the blufhing earth*

* Hip. In vain, indeed, fince now the war iso'ei :
' We, like the Theban race, agree to love ;

4 And by our mutual flames and future offspring,
4 Atone for (laughter paft.

* Ph&d. Your future offspring !

4 Heav'ns ! what a medley's this ? What dark confufion
4 Of blood and death, of murder and relation !

* What joy't had been to old difabled Theleus,
4 When he mould take the offspring in his arms,.

* Ev'n in his arms to hold an infant Pallas,

4 And be upbraided with his grandiire's fate r*
Oh, barbarous youth !

Lye, Too barbarous, I fear. [D'ftant Jhout.

Perhaps e'en now his faction's up in arms,
Since waving crowds roll onward towards the palace,
And rend the city with tumultuous clamours.
Perhaps to murder Phaedra and her fon,
And give the crown to him and his Ifmena.
But I'll prevent it.. [Exit.

liinena

PELEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS. 33

Ifinena Ir ought in by two
PbfcJ. What, the kind Ifmena,

That nurs'd me, watch'd my ficknefs ! Oh, (he watch'd me,
As rav'nous vultures watch the dying lion,
To tear his heart, and riot in his blood !
4 Hark, hark, my little infant cries for jullice !

* Oh, be appeas'd, my babe, thou flialt have juftice !'
Now all the fpirits of my godlike race

Enflame my foul, and urge me on to vengeance.

* Arfamnes, Minos, Jove, th' avenging Sun,
4 Infpire my fury, and demand my juftice.

* Oh, you (hall have it ! thou, M;nos, flialt applaud it.

* Yes, thou flialt copy it in their pains below.'
God of revenge, arile ! — He comes ! he comes !

* And fhoots himfelf thro' all my kindling blood.*
I have it here— Now bafe, perfidious wretch,
Now figh, and weep, and tremble in thy turn.
Yes, your Ifmena fliall appsafe my vengeance.
Ifmena dies ; and thou, her pitying lover,

Doomed her to death Thou too (halt fee her bleed,

See her convulfive pangs, and hear her dying groans.

Go, glut thy eyes with thy ador'd Ifmena,

And laugh at dying Phaedra.
Hip. Oh, Ifmena !
]fnt. Alas, my tender foul fhould fhrink at death,

Shake with its fears, and fink beneath its pains,

In any caufe but this !— But now I'm fteel'd,

And the near danger ieifens to my fight.

Now, if I live, 'tis only for Hippolitus ;

And with an equal joy I'll die to lave him.
Yes, for his fake I'll go a willing fliade,
And wait his coining in th' Elyfian Kclds ;
And there enquire of each defending gholi
Of my lov'd hero's welfare, life, and honour:
That dear remembrance will improve the blifs, [py.*

* Add to th' Elyfian joys, and make that heav'n more hap-
///. ' Oh, heav'niy virgin! [/#&&.]' Oh, imperial

Let your rage fall on this devoted head ; [Phaedra

But fpare, Oh, fpare a guiltlcfs virgin's life !

* Think of her youth, her innocence, her virtue ;
Think with what warm companion fne bemoan'd you ;

* Think how (he ferv'd and watch'd you in your ficknefs ;

4 How

34 PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

* How ev'ry rifing and defccnding fun

* Saw kind Ifmena watching o'er the queen.'
I only promis'd, I alone deceiv'd you ;

And I, and only I, fhould feel your jullice.

Ifm. Oh, by thole pow'rs to whom I loon muft anfwer
For all my faults ; by that bright arch of heav'n
I now laft fee, I wrought him by my wiles,
By tears, by threats, by ev'ry female art,
Wrought his difdaining foul to falie compliance.
The fon of Thefeus could not think of fraud ;
'Twas woman all.

Phtzd* I fee 'twas woman all :

And woman's fraud fhould meet with woman's vengeance.
But yet thy courage, truth, and virtue (hock me :
A love fo warm, fo firm, fo like my own.
Oh, had the gods fo pleas'd ! had bounteous heav'n
Beflow'd Hippolitus on Phaedra's arms,
So had I ftoou the fhock of angry fate ;
So had I giv'n my life with joy 10 fave him.

Hip. And can you doom her death ? Can Minos' daugh-
Condemn the virtue which hei foul admires ? [ter

Are not you Phasdra, once the boair, of fame,
Shame of our fex, and pattern of your own ?

Fhad. Am I that Phredra ? N > ; another foul
Informs my alter'd frame. Could elfe Ifmena
Provoke my hatred, yet deferve my love ?
Aid me, ye gods, fjpport my finking glory,
Reftore my reafon, and confirm my virtue.
Yet, is my rage unjuft r Then, why was Phaedra
Refcu'd for torment, and preferv'd for pain ?
Why did you raife me to the height of joy,
Above the wreck of clouds and ilorms below,
To dafli and break me on the ground for ever ;

Ifm. Was it not time to urge him to compliance,
At lead to feign it, when perfidious Lycon
.Confin'd his perfon, and confpir'd his death ?

Pheed. Confin'd and doom'd to death ! Oh, cruel Lycon !
Could I have doom'd thy death r Could theie fad eves,
That lov'd thee living, e'er behold thee dead ?
Yet thou couldft fee me die without concern,
Rather than fave a wretched qi- ten from ruin.
* Elfe could you choofe to trufl the warring winds,

PH^DRA AND HIPPOLITU3. 3

* The fwelling waves, the rocks, the faithlefs fands,
' And all the raging moniters ot the deep ?'
Oh, think you fee me on the naked ihore !
Think how I fcream and tear my icatter'd hair ;
Break from th' embraces of my (bricking maids,
And harrow on the fand my bleeding bolbm ;
Then catch with wide-ftretch'd arms the empty billows,
And headlong plunge into the gaping deep.

Hip. Oh, diimal ifcue ! my bleeding heart relent?,
And all my thoughts diflbive in tendered pity.

Pbad. If you can pity, Oh, refute not love!
But (loop to rule in Crete, the feat of heroes,
And nurfery of gods. A hundred cities
Court thee for lord, ' where the rich bufy crouds
Struggle for paflage thro* the fpacious itreets ;
Where thoufand (hips o'erfhade the lei's *ning main,
And tire the laboring wind. The fuppliant nations
Bow to its enfigns, and, with lowered fails,
Confefs the ocean's queen. For thee alone
The winds fliall blow, and the vail ocean roll.
For thee alone the ram'd Cydonian warriors
From twangling yews fliall fend their fatal fliafts.
4 Hip. Then let me march their leader, not their prince;
And at the head of your renown'd Cydonians
Brandifh this far-fam'd fword of conquering Thefeus ;
That I may fliake th' Egyptian tyrant's yoke
From Aiia's neck, and fix it on his own ;
That willing nations may obey your laws,
And your bright anceilor, the Sun, mny fliine
On nought but Phaedra's empire.
' Pbatti. Why not thine ?
Doft thou fo far deteft my proffer'd bed,
As to refule my crown ? Oh, cruel youth !
By all the pain that wrings my tortur'd foul,
By all the dear deceitful hopes you gave me,
Oh, eafe, at leail, once more delude, my forrows !
For your dear fake I've loft my darling honour ;
For you but now I gave my foul to death ;
For you IM quit my crown, and ftoop beneath
The happy bondage of an humble wife ;
With thee I'd climb the ileepy Ida's fummit,
And in the fcorching heat and chilling dews,

« O'er

$6 PHJEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

* O'er, hills, o'er vales purfue the fliaggy lion.

* Carclcfs of danger, and of wailing toiJ,

* Of pinching hunger, and.impatient thiril:,

* I'll find all joys in thee.

4 H?p. Why ftoops the queen

* To aik, intreat, to fupplicate, and pray

' To proftitute her crown and fex's honour

* To one whofe humble thoughts can only rife

* To be your flave, nor lord ?*
Pbad. ' And is that all?*

See if he deign to force an artful groan,
Or call a tear from his unwilling eyes ?

Hard as his native rocks, cold as his fword,

Fierce as the wolves that howl'd around his birth ;

He hates the tyrant, and the fuppliant fcorns,

Oh, heav'n! Oh, Minos ! Oh, Imperial Jove!

Do ye not blufh at my degenerate weaknefs ?'
Hence, lazy, mean, ignoble paffions, fly !

Hence from my foul 'Tis gone, 'tis fled for ever,

And Heav'n infpires my thoughts with righteous ven-
Thou (halt no more defpife my ofler'd love; [geance.
No more Ifmena mall upbraid my weaknefs.

[Catches Hip. fixord to Jlab be.rfdf,
Now, all ye kindred gods, look down and fee
How I'll revenge you, and myfelf, on Phaedra.

Enter Lycon, and fnatchcs a<way fl'c f\vorJ.

Lye. Horror on horrcr ! Thefeus is return *d.

Pbtzd. Thefeus ! then what have I to do with life '
May I be fnatch'd with winds, by earth o'envhclm'd,
Rather than view the face or injur'd Thefeus.
Now wider Hill my growing horrors fpread,
My fame, my virtue, nay, my frenzy's lied :
Then view my wretched race, Imperial Jove,
If ciimes enrage you, or misfortunes move ;
On me your flames, on me your bolts employ,
Me, if your anger fpares. your pity ihould deilroy.

[Runs tf.

lye. This may do fervice yet.

[Exit Lycon, carries off' tit' fworj*

Hip. Is he return 'd ? Thanks to the pitying gods!
Shall I again behold his awful eyes ?
Again be folded in Jlis loving arms ?

Yet,

PH^DRA AND HIPPOLITUS. 37

Yet, in the midft of joy, I fear for Phscdra ;

I fear his warmth, and unrelenting juiVsce.

Oh ! fhould her raging paflion reach his ears,

His tender love, by anger fir'd, would tura [oil^

To burning rage ; [Trumpets found.] * as foft Cydonian

* Whole balmy juice glides o'er th' untafting tongue,

* Yet touch'd with fire, with hotteft flames will blaze.'
But, Oh, ye pow'rs ! I fee his godlike form.

Oh, extacy of joy ! he comes ! he comes !

F^ntcr Theleus, Officer, and Guards*
Is it my lord, my father ? Oh, 'tis he !

* I fee him, touch him,' feel his own embraces ;
See all the rather in his joyful eyes,

Where have you been, my lord ? What angry demon
Hid you from Crete, from me ? What god has fav'dyou?
Did not Phi lotas fee you fall ? Oh, ani'wer me !
And then I'll alk a thoufand queftions more.

Ybef. No ; but to lave my life I feign'd my death 5
My horfe and well-known arms confirm'd the tale,
And hinder'd farther fearch. This honeft Gret k
ConceaPd me in his houfe, and cur'd my wounds ;
Procur'd a veflel, and, to blefs me more,

Accompanied my flight

But this at leifure. Let me now indulge
A father's fondnefs ; let me fnatch thee thus,
Thus fold thee in my arms. Such, fuch was I,

[Embraces HippolitUS.

When firir, I faw thy mother, chafte Camilla ;
And much (he lov'd me. Oh, did Phaedra view me

With half that fondnefs! But (he's ftill unkind,

Elfe hafty joy had brought her to thefe arms,
To welcome me to liberty, to life,
And make that life a blcffing. Come, my fon,
Let us to Phrcdra.

Iffy. Pardon me, my lord.

Thef. Forget her former treatment; (lie's too good
Still to perliit in hatred to mv fon.

Hip. Oh, let me fly from 'Crete, from you, [-•Jfc/i-.J
and Phaedra !

Tbcf. My fr<n, what means this turn, this fudden ilart ?
Why would you fly from Crete, and from your father?

/£^. Not from my father, but from lazy Crete ;

D To

3* TOED* A AND H1PPOLITUS.

To follow danger, and acquire renown ;

To quell the monfters that efcap'd your fword,

And make the world confefs me Thefeus' fon.

Tbef. What can this coldneis mean ? — Retire, my fon,

[Exit Hippolitus.

While I attend the queen What fliock is this ?

Why tremble thus my limbs ? Why faints my heart ?
Why am I thrilPd with fear, till now unknown ?
Where's now the joy, theextafy and transport,
That warm'd my foul, and urg'd me on to Phaedra ?
Oh, had I never iov'd her, I'd been blefs'd !
Sorrow and joy in love alternate reign ;
Sweet is the blifs, diftrafting is the pain.

So when the Nile its fruitful deluge fpreads,

And genial heat informs its llimy beds ;

Here yellow harvefts crown the fertile plain,

There moriftrous ferpents ir'ight the lab'ring {wain :

A various product fills the fattenM (and,

And the fame floods enrich andcurfe the land,

[Exit.
END of the THIRD ACT.

T

ACT IV.

Enter Lycon.
HIS may gain- time, till all my wealth's embark 'd,

To ward my foes revenge, and finifh mine,

To make that empire which I can't poiTefs.

But then the queen — me dies — why let her die ;

Let wild deiirucVion feize on all together,

So Lycon live — —A fate, triumphant exile,

Great in dlfgrace, and envied in his fall.

The queen ! then try thy art, and work her paffions ;

Eater Phaedra and Indies.
Draw her to aft what mort her foul abhors ;
Potfcfs her whole, and fpeak thyfelf in Phaedra.

Pkted. Off, let me loofe ; why, cruel, barb'rous maids.
Why am I barr'd from death, the common refuge,
That fpreads its hofpitable arms for all ?
' W'hy mull I drag the infufferable load
* Of tonl didionour, and defpairing love ?'

Oh,

PELEDRA AND H1PPOLITUS. 39

Oh, length of pain ! 4 Am I fo often dying,

* And yet not dead ?' Feel I fo oft death's pangs,
Nor once can find its eafe ?

Lye.. Would you now die ;
Now quit the field to your infulting foe ?
Then flizrll he triumph o'er your blafted name :
Ages to come, the univcrfe (hall learn
The wide, immortal infamy of Pbsedra :
And the poor babe, the idol of your foul,
The lovely image of your dear dead lord,
Shall be upbraided with his mother's crimes ;
Shall bear your mame, (hall fink beneath your faults.
Inherit your difgrace, but not your crown,

Phad. Muft he too fall, iuvolvM in my deftru&ion,
And only live ro curfe the name of Phaedra ?
Oh, dear* unhappy babe ! * rauft I bequeath thec
' Only -A fad inheritance of woe ?'
Gods, cruel gods ! can't all my pains- atone,
Unleis they reach my infant's j/uihleis head1 ?
Oh, loft eftate \ 4 when life's ib fharp a torment,

* And death itfelf can't eale.*- — Aifift me, Lyconj
Advife, fpeak comfort to my troubled font

Lye. 'Tis you mud drive that trouble from your foul j

* As ftreams when damm'd forget their antient current,

* And wand'ring o*er their banks, in other channels flow;*
Tis you mult bend your thoughts from hopeleis love,
And turn their courle to Thefeus* happy bbfi)m',-

* And crown his eager hopes with wilhM enj'iymient :*
Then with frtfh charms adorn yaur troubled looks,
Dilplay the beauties firft infpir'd his foul,

Soc^th with your voice, and woo him with your eyes.

Pbttd. Impoffible! * What, woo him with the 'e eyes,
' Still wet with tears thatrtow'd — bnt not for Thefeus £ .'
' This tongue, fo us'd to found another name ?
' What, take him to my ai;ms ? Oh, awful Juno!'
' Touch, lovt*, carefs him, while my wandering fancy

* On other objects ftrays ? A lewdadultrefs

* In. the chafte bed .; and in the father^s armsr

* (Oh, horrid thought ! Oh, execrable incetV)

* Ev'n in the father's arms embrace the. four*
Lye. Vet you mufl fee him, ' left impa/rent love

* Should urge his temper to too niceafearch.

* Andill-tiinM'abieince'ihould diicl'oic your crime.

D 2

40 PH.EDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

Could I, when prefent to his- awful eye?,

* Conceal the wild di ('orders of ray foul *

* Would not my groans, my looks, my fpeech betr.iy me?

* Betray thee, Phaedra ! then thou'rt not be*tray'd.
' Live, live fecure, adoring C? etc conceals thee ;

4 Thy pious love, and moil endearing uoodnefs

* Will charm the kind Hippoiitus to filence.

4 Oh, wretched Phaedra ! Oh, ill-guarded fecret !

* To foes alone difclos'd !

4 Lye. I needs mult tear them,

* Spite of their VOWP, their oaths, their imprecations.
* rlwd. Do imprecations, oaths, or vows avail ?

* I too have fivorn, ev'n at the altar fworn,

* Eternal love and endlefs faith to Thefeus ; .

* And yet am falfe, forfvvorn: the hallow'd flirine

* Th.it heard me fvvear, is witnefs to my falfhood.

* The youth, the very author of my crimes,

* Ev'n'he lhall tell that fault himfelf infpir'd;

* The fatal eloquence that charm 'd my foul

* Shall lavifh all its arts to my deftruction.'

Lye. Hippoliriys, Oh, he will tell it all — — Deftruftip>

feize hi n.

'With feeming ^rief, and aggravating p'ty,
And more to blacken, will excufe your folly;
Falfe tea re, frail wet his unrelenting eyes,
And his glad heart with artful iighs fliall heave ;
Then Theieus -- How will indignation fwell
His mighty heart? How his majeiVu: frame
Will (hake with rage too fierce, too fvvift ix>r vent ?
While the proud t-cytvian — — —
t^jw he'll expole you to the public fcorn,
And loathing crowds fhall .murmur out their horror ?
Then the fierce Scythian— now methinks 1 fee
His fiery eyes with fullen pleafures ^.low,
Su.rvey your tortures, and infult your pangs ;
I tee him, fmiiingon the pleas'd Ifmena,
Point out with fcorn the once-proud tyrant Phaedra.'
Pbsed. Curd be his name ! may infamy attend him !
May fwift deilruclion fall upon his head,
Hurl'd by the hand of thofe he mod adores.

Lye. By Heav'n, prophetic tru(hinfpires your tongue :

* He Ifeall endure the lliame he means to give ,'

For

PH/EDRA-. AND HIPPOLITUS, 41

For all the torments which he heaps on your
With juft revenge, fhall Thefeus turn on him.

PbtfJ. Is't poffible ? Oh, Lycon ! Oh, my refuge !
Oh, good oM man ! thou oracle of wifdom !
Dtclare the means, that Phaedra may adore thee.

l.yc. Accufe him fir ft.

jP^rfv/. Oh, heav'n's ! accufe the guiltlefs ?

lye; Then beaccus'd; let Thefeus knovr your crimes f
Let Tailing infamy overwhelm your glory ;

Let your toe triumph, and your infant rail •

' Shake off this idle lethargy of pity;

' With ready war prevent th* invading foe,

' Preferve your glory, and fecure your vengeance,,'

4 Be yptirs the fruit, fecurity, and eafe>

* The guilt, the danger, and the labour mine.'

PJj&d, Heav'n's ! Thefeus comes.

Lye. Declare your lait refolves,

l?bad* Do you refolve, for Phaedra can do nothing.

\&xit Phaedra*

.Lye. Now, Lycon, heighten his impatient love,
Now raife his pity, now tntlame his rage,
Quicken his hopes, then quafli *em with defpair ;
Work his tumultuous p:\iiions into phrenzy ;
Unite them all, then turn them on the foe.
Enter Thefeus.

Tlef. Was that my queen, ray wife, my idol Phxdra £
Does the 1H11 fliun me ? Oh, injurious heav*n !
\Vhy did you give me back again to life ?
Why did you live me from the rage of battle,
To let me fall by her more fatal hatred ?

l.yc. Her hatred ! no ; flie loves you with fuch fond-^

nefs
As none but that of Thefeus e'er could equal :

Yetlo the gods have docm'd, fo heav*n will have it^

She ne'er muft view her much-lov'd Thefeus more.

4 Thcf. Not fee her ! by my fufPrings but I will,

Though troops embattled fliould oppofe my paillige^

And ready dfeath lliali guard the fatal way,

Not fee her ! Oh, I'll glalp her in thefe arms,

Break through the idle bands that yet have held me,

And feize the joys my honed love may chim.

4 L\c. Is this a time for joy, when Phaedra's grief—
D z. • Tke

4* PI-L-EDRA AND HIPPOLITUS'.

, * Thcf. Is this a time for grief? Is this my welcome

' To air, to life, to liberty, and Crete ?

4 Not this I hop'd, when urg'd by ardent love,

* I wing'd my eager way to Phaedra's arms ;

* Then, to my thoughts, relenting Pksdra fkw,
' With open arms to welcome my return ;

4 With kind endearing blame condemn'd my rafhnefs,

* And made me fwear to venture out no more.

* Oh, my warm foul, my boiling fancy glovv'd

* With charming hopes of yet-untailed joys ;

* New pleafures fill'd my mind, all dangers, pains,

* Wars, wounds, defeats, in that dear hope were loft.

* And does ihe now avoid my eager love ?

' Purfue me ft ill with unrelenting hatred ?

* Invent new pains ? deteft, loath, fiiun my fight ?

* Fly my return, and forrow for my fafety ?

' Lye. Oh, think not fo! for, by th' unerring gods,*
When firft I told her of your wifh'd return,
When the lov'd found of Thefeus reach'd her ears,
At that dear name me rear'd her drooping head,

* Her feeble hands, and watVy eyes to heav'n,

* To blefs the bounteous gods : at that dear name

* The raging tempeft of her grief was calm'd ;'
Her %hs were hufli'd, and tears forgot to flow.

Thef. Did my return bring comfort to her ibirow ?
Then hade, conduct me to the lovely mourner.
Oh, I will kifs the pearly drops away ;

* Suck from her rofy lips the Iragant fighs ;

* With other fighs her panting breaft lhall heave,

* With o<her dews herfwimming eyes ihall melt,'
Vvrith other pangs her throbbing heart (hall beat,
Ami all her ibrrows ihi.ll be loft in love.

Lye, Does Thefeus burn with fuch unheard of paffion ?
And ihall not file with out-ftretch'd arms receive him ;
' And with an equal ardor meet his vows ?
4 The vows of one fo dear !' Oh, righteous gods !
Why muft the bleeding heart of Thefeus bear
Such tort'ring pangs ? while Phaedra,, dead to love,
T^ow with accufing eyes on angry heav'n
Steadfaftly gazres, and upbraids the gods :
4 Now with dumb piercing grief and humble fhame,

* Fixes her gloomy watery orbs to earth j

4 * Now

PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS. 43

Now burft with fwelling anguifh, rends the flcies1
With loud complaints of- her outrageous wrongs.

¥/jf/l Wrongs ! is (lie wrong'd ? and lives he yet who
wrong'd her ?

Lye, He lives, fo great, fo happy, fo belov'd,^
That Phaedra fcarce can hope, fcarce wifti revenge.

T/jt-f. Shall Thefeus live, and not revenge his Phaedra }
Gods ! (hall this arm, renown'd tor righteous vengeance,
For quelling tyrants, and redrafting wrongs,
Now fail? nowfirft, when Phaedra's injur'd, fail?
Ob, let us hajh, .

* Speak, Lycon, hafle, declare the fecret villain,

* The wretch To meanly hafe to injure Phasdra,

* So rallily brave to dare the fword of Thefeus.

* Lye. I dare not fpoak, but fare her wrongs are

mighty.
4 The pile cold hue that deadens all her charms,

* Her fi^hs, her hollow groans, her flowing tears

4 Make me lufpect her monilrous grief wiil end her.
' Thcf. End her ! en J Thefeus firit, and all mankind ;

* But mo ft that villain, that detefted {lave,

* That brutal coward, that dark lurking wretch.

* Lye. Oh, noble heat of unexampled love !

* This Phaedra hop'd, when, in the mid ft of grief,

* In the wild torrent of o'erwhelming ibrrows,

4 She groaning ftillinvok'd, ftill call'd on Thefeus.
' Thff. Did ihe then name n>e ? did the weeping
charmer

* Invoke my name, and call for aid on Thefeus?

* Oh, that lov'd voice upbraided my delay.

« Why then this ilay ?' I come, I fly, Oh, Phaedra!

Lead on. Now, dark dirtuiber of my peace,

If now thou'rt known, what luxury of vengeance—
Haite, lead, condudl me.

* I,vc. Oh, I beg you (lay.

« t/jcf. What, ftay when Phxdra calls ?»
Lye, * Oh, on my lance,

* By all the gods, my lord, I beg you ftay.'
O/>, 1 conjure yen ftay,

As you refped your peace, your life, your glory ;
' As Phaedra's days are precious to your foul ;*
By all your love, by Phaedra's forrows ftay.

4* PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS,

. Where tics the danger ? wherefore {K>ii!d I flay ?
lye, Youx fudden preience would inrprize her foul,
Renew the galling image of her wrongs,
4 Revive her for row, indignation, fliame ;'
And all your fon would frrike her from your eyes.

The/. My fon !«—— But he's too gcod, too brave to

wrong her. -

Whence then that fhocking change, that ftrongfurprize,
That fright thatfeiz'd him at the name of Phaedra ?
Lye. Was he fur-priz'd ? that rtiew'd at leaft remorfe.
The/* Remorfe \ for what ? by heav'ns, my 'troubled

thoughts
Prefage fome dire attempts, — Say, what remorfe ?

Lye. I would not — yet I mull: tltis you command;
This Phaedra orders j thrice her fault'ring tongue
Bade me unfold the guilty fcene to Thefeus ;
Thrice wir-h loud cries recal'Pd me on i~ny way,
And bkm'd my fpeed, and chid my raih obedience,
' Lefl the unwelcome tale fhould wound your peace.*
At lad, with looks ferenely fad, flie cried,
Go tell it all ; but in fuch artful words,
Such tender accents, and fuch melting founds,
As may appeafe his rage, ?nd move h\b pity ; •
As may incline him to forgive his fon
A grievous fault, but ilill a fault of love.

'fbef. Of love ! what ftrangc fufpkicns rack my foul !
As you regard my peace, declare what love !

!-$<:. Thus urg'd, I mutt declare. Yet, pitying

heav'n !

Why mufl I fpeak ? Why muft unwilling Lycon
Accufe the prince of irxpious love to Phaedra ?

Thcf. Love to his mother ! to the wile of Thefeus !
Lye. Yes ; at the mcment firll he vievvM her eyes,
Kv'n at the altar, when you jom'd your hands,
His eafy" heart receiv'd ihe guilty flnme,
And from that time he prds'd her with his paffion.

Tlef. Then 'twas for tins me banifli'd him from Crete ;
I thought it hatred all. Oh, righteous hatred !
Forgive me, he'av'n ; forgive me, injur'd Phsedra,
That I in fecret have conderrrnM thy juitice.
Oh, 'twas all juft, and Thefeus (liall revenge,
Ev'n on his fon, revenge his Phadra's wrung**

Lye-

PH.EDRA AND HIPPOLITUS- 45

Lye. What eafy tools are thefe blunt honeft heroes,
Who with keen hunger gorge the naked hook,
Prevent the bait the ftatefman's art prepares,
And poft to ruin — * Go, believing fool,

• Go aft thy far-fam'd juftice on thy Ton,

• Next on thyfelf, and both make way for Lycon.'

\AJMe.

Tlef. Ha ! am I fure flic's wrong'd ? Perhaps 'tis ma
lice.

Slave, make it clear, make good your accufation,

Or treble fury fliall revenge my fon.

Lye. Am I then doubted ? Can Phaedra or your Lycon

Be thought to forge fuch execrable falihoods ?
Gods ! when the queen unwillingly complains,
Can you fufpecl her truth ? Oh, godlike Thefeus !
Is this the love you bear unhappy Phaedra ?
Is this her hop'd-for aid ? ? Go, wretched matron,
Sigh to the winds, and rer.d th' unpirying heav'ns
With thy vain forrows ; iince relentlefs Theft- us,
Thy hope, thy refuge, Thefeus will not hear thee.

Not hear my Phaedra ! not revenge her wrongs !'

Speak, make thy proofs, and then his doom's as fix'd,
As when Jove nods, and high Olympus (hakes,
And fate his voice obeys.

' I Ate. Tetftay, bear vvitnefs, heav'n ! ^fetches a f word.
With what reluctance I produce this fword,
This fatal proof againft th' unhappy prince,
Left it fliould work your juftice to his ruin,
And prove he aim'dat force as weii as incelr.

Th<f. Gods ! 'tis illulion all ! * Is this the fword,
« By which Procruftes, Scyron, Pallas fell ?
Is this the weapon which my darling fon
Swore to employ in nought but a&s of honour ?
Now, faithful youth, thou nobly haft fulfill'd
Thy gen'rous promife. Oh, mod injur'd PhaeJra !
Why did I truft to his deceitful form r*
Why blame thy jurt ce, or fufpecl thy truth ?'
Lye. Had you this morn beheld his ardent eyes.
Seen his arm lock'd in h r diflievell'd hair,
That weapon glitt'ring o'er her trembling bolbm,
Whilll file with fcreams refus'd his impious love,
Eutreating death, aud riling to the wound I

Oh,

46 PH^DRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

* Oh, bad you feen her, when th' affrighted youth

* Retir'd at your approach ; had you then feen her,

* In-the chaite. trajafports of becoming fury,

' Seize on the Ivvord to pierve her guiltlefs bofom ;'
Had you feen thi?, you couid not doubt her truth.

Tkef. Oh, impious monger ! Oh, forgive me, Phaedra !
And may the gods infpire my injur'd foul
With equal vengeance that may fuit his crimes.

Lye. For Phaedra's fake forbear to talk of vengeance ;
That with new pains would wound her tender breaft.
Send him away from Crete, and by his abfencc
Give Phaedra quiet, and aflbrd him mercy.

7bcf. < Mercy ! for what * Oh, well h;is he rewarded

* Poor Phaedra's mercy. — Oh, raoft barb'rous traitor !

* To wrong fuch beauty, and infult fuch goodnefs,'
Mercy ! what's that * a virtue coined by villains,

* Whopraife the weaknefs which fupports their crimes*
Be mute, andfty, left when my rage is rous'd,.

Thou for thylelf in. vain implore my mercy.

Lye. Dull fool, I laugh at mercy more than thou doft,
IWorc than I do the juiKce thou'rcfb fond of.
Now come, young hero, to thy father's- ai-ias^
Receive the due reward of haughty virtue, i
Now boaft thy race, and laugh at. earth-born Lyeorj.

Enter Hippolitus.
Thef. Yet can it be r— Is this th' inceftuoius viljaia ?

* How great his presence, how ejecl: his look,

' flow ev'ry grnx:e, how all his virtuous, mother
' Shines in his face, andciiarms me froip his-eyei !
4 Oh, Neptune ! Oh, great founder of our race !

* Why was he frram'd with fuch a godlike look !*
Why wears he not forrre moil detefted form,

' Baleful to fight, as horrible to, thought.;*
That I might axft my juftice, without gfief^
Punifli the viiiain, nor regret the.fon ?

Hip. May I prefume to alfc, what fccreicsre'
Broods in your brea.d, and clouds your royal brow ?
Why dart your awful eyes thole angry beams,
And fright Hippolitus they, usjd to chear ?

Thef. Answer ine firit. WhencaU'd to wait on Phaedra,
What futitltn iear furpriz'd vour troubled faul ?

Why,

PFLEDRA AND H1FPOLITUS. 47

Why did your ebbing blood Forfakc your cheeks ?
Why dkl you haften froin your father's arms,
To flrun the queen your duty bids you pleafe ?

Hiy. My lord, to pleafe the queen I'm forc'd to (hun

her,
And keep this hated object from her fight.

Tbef* Say, what's the caufe of her invet'rate hatred ?

Hipi My lord, as yet I never gave her caufe.

7b»f. « Oh, were itfo!' \Afidc. } When laft did you
attend her ?

Hip. When laft attend her ! — Oh, unhappy queen'!
Your error's known, yet I difdain to wrong you,
* Or to betray a fault mylclf have caus'd.'
When I* ft attend her ?

Tbcf. Anfwer medireftly ;
Nor dare to trifle with your father's rage.

Hip. My lord, this very morn I faw the queen.

Tkef. Whatpaft?

Hip. I afk'd permiilion to retire.

Thef. And was that all ?

Hip. My lord, I humbly beg,
With the molUow fubmiilions, aik no more.

T'bef. * Yet you don't anfwcrvvith your low fubmiilions.*
Anfwer, or never hope to fee me more.

Hip. Too much he knows, I fear, without my telling ;
And the poor queen's betrayM, and loft forever.

Tbcf. He changes, gods ! and tankers at the
His tears, his words, 'his looks declare him guilty. \_AftJe.

Hip. Why do you frown, my lord ? Why turn away ?
As from fome loathfome monfter, not your fon ?

Tbff. Thou art that monfter, and no more my fon.
Not one of thofe of the moil horrid form,
Of which my hand has eas\i the burthen'd earth,
Was half fo ihocking to my fight as thou.

Hip. Where am I, gods ? Is that my father Thefeus ?
* Am I awake ?' Am I Hippelitus.
d. — Tho

Thou art that fiend. — Thou art Hippolitus,
Thou art. — Oh, fall! Oh, fatal ilain to honour !
How had my vain imagination form'd thee ?
Brave as Alcides, and as Minos juft.
Sometimes it led me through the maze of war ;
There it furvey'd thec ranging through the field,

Mowing

48 PH.EDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

Mowing down troops, and dealing out deilruc"Hon.

* Sometimes with wholefume laws reforming ftates,

' Crowning their happy joys with peace and plenty ;'

While you :

Hip. With all my father's foul irtfpir'd,
Burnt with impatient thiril of early honour,
To hunt through bloody fields the chace of glory,
And blefs your age with trophies like your own.
Gcds, how that warm'd me ! how my throbbing heart
Leap'd to the image of my father's joy,
When you fliould {train me in your folding arm?,
And with kind raptures, * and with fobbing joys,
4 Commend my valour, and confefs your fon !

* How did I think my glorious toil o'erpa-d !

* Then great indeed, and in my father's love,

* With more than conqueft crown'd !'
Cry, Go on, Hippolitus.

Go tread the rugged paths of daring honour j
Pradife the flrifteft and aultereft virtue,
And all the rigid laws of righteous Minos :
Thefeus, thy father Thefeus will reward thee.

Tkef. Reward thee ! Yes ; as Minos would reward

thee.

Was Minos then thy pattern ? and did Minos,
The great, the good, the juft, the righteous Minos,
*; The judge of hell, and oracle of earth,'
Did he infpire adultery, force, and inceft ?
* Ifmena appears.

4 />. Ha, what's this?

Hip. Amazement ! inceft !

Tl'ff. Inceft with Phaxlra, with thy mother Phsedra.

Hip, This charge fo unexpected, fo amazing,
So new, fo ftrange, impoffible to thought,
Stuns my aftonifti'd foul, and ties my voice.
. Thrf. Then let this wake tbee, this once-glorious

fword,

With which thy father arm'd thy infant hand,
Not for this purpofe. Oh, abandon'd Have!
Oh, early vill«iin ! moft detcftcd coward !
With this my inftrument of youthful glcry !
With this t'invade the fporlels Phxdra's honour !
Phadra, my life, my better half, my queen !

That

PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS. 49

T h-at very Phsedra, for whofe juft defence
The gods would claim thy fword.

Hip. Amazement ! death !

Heav'ns ! durft I raife the far-fam'd fword of TKefeus
Againfthis queen, again ft my mother's bofom ?

Thcf. If not, declare when, where, anJ how you loft it ?
How Phsedra gain'd it ? — Oh, all ye gods ! he's filent.
Why was it bar'd ? Whofe bofom was it aim'd at ?
\Vhat meant thy arm advanced, thy glowing checks, ^
Thy hand, heart, eyes ? Oh, villain ! monftrous villain !

Hip. Is there no way, * no thought, no beam ot light,

* No clue to guide me through this gloomy maze,'
To clear my honour, yet pretcrve my faith ?

4 None, none, ye pow'rs ! and muft I groan beneath

* This execrable load of foul difnonour ?

* Mult Thefeus fufterfuch unheard of torture ?

* Thefeus, my father ! No.' I'll break through all ;
All oaths, all vows, all idle imprecations

I'll give them to the winds. Hear me, my lord ;
Hear your wrong'd ion. The fword — Oh, fatal vow !

* Enfnaring oaths, and thou, rafh thoughtlefs fool,
4 To bind thyfelf in voluntary chains ;

4 Yet to thy fatal truft continue firm !
4 Beneath difgracc, though infamous, yet hone ft.*
Yet hear me, father : may the righteous gods
Show'r all their curfes on this wretched head j
Oh, may they doom me

Tkcf. Yes, the gods will doom thee.
The fword, the fword ! — Now fwear, and call to witncfs
Heav'n, hell, and earth, I mark it not from one
That breathes beneath fuch complicated guilt.

Hip. Was that like guilt, when with expanded arms
I fprang to meet you at your wilh'd return ?
Does this appear like guilt, when thus ferene,
With eyes ere<5t, and vifage unappall'd,
Fix'd on that awful face, I ftand the charge,
Amaz'd, not fearing ? ' Say, if I am guilty ;
4 Where are theconfcious looks, the face now pale,
4 Now flufhing red, the down-cafl haggard eyes,
4 Or fix'd on earth, or ilowly rais'd to catch
4 A fearful view, then funk again with horror?

E « The/.

"PH.EDRA AND HIPPOLlTtTS.

' Tbcf. This is for raw, untaught, unfinifli'd villains.
Thou in thy bloom haft reach'd th' abhorr'd perfection t
Thy eyen looks could wear a peaceful calm,
The beauteous flamp (Oh, Heav'ns !) of faultlefs virtue,
While thy foul heart contriv'd this horrid deed !
Oh, harden'd fiend ! I'll hear no more !
Difiurb thy foul, or ruffle thy fmooth brow !
What, no remorfe ! no qualms ! no pricking pangs f

* No feeble flraggle of rebelling honour !

* Oh, 'twas thy joy, thy fecret hoard of blifs,

* To dream, to ponder, acl: it o'er in thought ;
4 To doat, to dwell on j as rejoicing mifers

* Brood o'er their precious ftores or fecret gold.'

Hip. Mult I notfpeak ? Then fay, unerring heav'n,
Why was I born with fuch a third of glory ?
Why did this morning dawn to my diflionour ?
Why did not pitying fate with ready death
Prevent the guilty day ?

Tbef. Guilty indeed.

Ev'n at the time you heard your father's death,
4 And fuch a father (Oh, immortal gods !)

* As held thee dearer than hjg life and glory !

* When thou fhouldit rend the Ikies with clam'rous griet,

* Beat thy fad bre-ait, and tear thy flatting hair ;'
Then to rny bed to force your impious way ;

* With horrid lull t'infult my yet warm urn ;*
Make me the fcorn of hell, and fport for fiends !
Thefe are the fun'ral honours paid to Thefeus,
Thefeare theforrows, thefethe hallow'd rites,
To which you'd call your father's hov'ring fpirit.

Enter Ifmena.
Ifm. Hear me, my lord, ere yet you fix his doom :

[Turning to Thefeus,

Hear one that comes to fhield his injur'd honour,
And guard his life with hazard of her own.

T'bcf. Though thou'rt the daughter of my hated foe,
1 Though ev'n thy beauty's loathfome to my eyes,'
Yet juftice bids me hear thee.

Ifm. Thus I thank you. Kneels.

Then know, miftaken prince, his honeft foul
Could ne'er be fway'd by impious love to Phasdra,
Since I before engag'd his early vows ;

3 * With

PHAEDRA AND HfPPOLlTUS.

' With all my wiles fubdu'd his ftruggling heart ;
' For long his duty ftruggled with his love.'

Thcj\ Speak, is this true r On thy obedience", fpeak.

Hip. So charg'd, I own the dangerous- truth \ lott'ty
Agamft her will, I lov'd the fait' Ifrnena.'

Theft Canftthou be only cleared by dilbbfcdience,
And juftified by crimes ? What, love my foe !
4 Love one defcended from a race of tyrants,

* Whofe blood yet reeks on my avenging {word '/
I'm curlteach moment I delay thy fate.

Haite to the lhades, * and tell the happy Pallas

* Ifmena's flames, and let him tafte fuch joys

4 As thou giv'lt me;' go, tell applauding Mirios
The pious love you bore his daughter Phaedra ;
Tell it thechatt'ring ghofts, and hiffing furies j
Tell it the grinning fiends, till hell found nothing
To thy pleas'd eaYs but Phaedra, thy mother Phaidfa-!

Enter Cratander and
Seize him, Cratandef; take this guilty iword,
Let his* own hand avenge the crime;- it atfled,
And bid hiitt die, at leaft, like Thefens'fon.
Take him away, and execute my ordert.

Hip. Henv'ns ! how that ftrikes me ! how it wounds

my foul

To think o/your unutterable forro^i,
\Vhen you fliall find Hippolitus was guiltlefs !
Yet when you know the innocence you doom'd,
When you fliall rrtotirri your foil's unhappy fate,
Oh, I befeech you, by the love you bore me,
With my laft words (my words will then prevail)
Oh, for my fake, forbear to touch your life,
Nor wound again Hippolitus in Thefeus.

Let all my virtues, all my joys furvive

Frefh in your breaft, but be my woes forgot ;

The woes, which fate, and not my father, wrought.

Oh, let me dwell for ever in your thoughts,

Let me be honour'd ftill, but not deplor'd.

Tbef. * Then thy chief care is for thy father's life.

Oh, blooming hypocrite ! Oh, young diflembler !

Well haft thou (hewn the care thou tak'ft of Thefeus.'
Oh, all ye gods ! how this enflames my fury.

£ 2 I fcarce

j* PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

I fcaree can hold my rage ; my eager hands
Tremble to reach thee. No, difhonour'd Thefeus,
Blot not thy fame with fuch a monger's blood.
Snatch him away.

Hip. Lead on. Farewel, Ifmena. [Exit guarded.

Ifm. Oh, take me with him, let me fhare his fate.
Oh, awful Thefeus ! yet revoke his doom.

• See, fee the very miniilers of death,

• Though bred to blood, yet Ihrink, and wifh to fave him.'

7/bef. Slaves, villains, drag her away.

* Ifm. Oh, tear me, cut me, till my fever'd limbs

* Grow to my lord, and fhare the pains he fufters.
4 tfbef. Villains, away 1'

Ifm. Oh, Thefeus ! hear me, hear me.

* Thef. Away, nor taint me with thy loathfome touch.

* Off, woman !'

Ifm. Oh, let me flay ! I'll tell you all.

« [Exit Thefeus*

Already gone. Tell it, ye confcious walls ;
Bear it, ye winds, upon your pitying wings ;
Refound it, Fame, with all your hundred tongues.
Oh, haplefs youth ! all heaven confpires againil you.
The confcious walls conceal the fatal fecret ;
Th* untainted winds refufe th* infecting load,
And Fame itfelf is mute. Nay, ev'n Ifmena,
Thy own Ifmena's fvvorn to thy deflrucYion.
« But Hill, whate'er the cruel gods defign,

* In the fame fate our equal flars combine,

* And he who dooms thy death pronounces mine.'
Thef. Too well I know the truth ;

What cou'djbe tell me lut fttitious art>
JBy woman's art derived to turn the courfe
Of juftice from a wretch, whofe death both go js
And men demand of Tbefeus.

END of the FOURTH ACT.

ACT

BLEDRA A HlPPOLlttiS. 53

A C T V.

Enter Phaedra rffl^JLycoh.

LYCON.

ACCUSE yourfelf ! On my knees I beg ^oU,
By all the gods, recal the fatal meflage.
Heav'ns ! will you ftand the dreadful rage of Thefeus ?
And brand your fame, and Work your own definition ?
Phad. By thee I'm branded, and by thee deftroy'd ;
Thou bofom ferpent ! thou alluring fiend !
Yet fhan?c you boaft the miferies you caufe,
Nor 'fcape the ruin you have brought on all.

Lye. Was it not your command? Has faithful Lycoii
E'er fpoke, e'er thought, ' delign'd, contriv'd, or acled ?
« Has he done aught ' without the queen's confent ?
* Phxd. Plead'ft thou confent to what thou firft in-
fpir'dfl ?

* Was that confent ? Oh, fenfelefs politician !
When adverfe paflions flruggled in my bread,
When anger, fear, love, forrow, guilt, defpair,
Drove out my feafon, and ufurp'd my foul.

Yet this confent you plead, Oh, faithlefs Lycon !'

Oh, only zealous for the fame of Phasdra !

With this you blot my name, and clear your own ;

And what s my phrenzy lhall be call'd my crime.

What then is thine ? thou cool, deliberate villain !

Thou wife, fore-thinking, weighing politician !'

Lye. Oh, 'twas fo black a charge, my tongue recoil'd
At its own found, and horror fhook my foul.
Yet flill, though pierc'd with fuch amazing anguifh,
Such was my zeal, fo much I lov'd my queen,
I broke through all, to fave the life of Phaedra.

Pbtfd. What's life? Oh, all ye gods! can life atone
For all the monftrous crimes by which 'tis bought ?
Or can I live, when thou, Oh, foul of honour!
OH, early hero ! by my crimes art ruin'd ?
Perhaps ev'n now the great unhappy youth
Falls by the fordid hands of butchering villains ;
Now, now he -bleeds, he dies. * Oh, perjuf'd traitof!

* See, his rich blood in purple torrents flows,

* And Nature fallies in unbidden grotmfc ;

JE 3 ' Now

$* PH^SDRA AND HIPPOLITUS,

Now mortal pangs diitort his lovely form,
His roiy beauncs tade, his ihrry eyes
Now darkling fwim, and fix their clofing beams ;
Now in fhort gafps his lab'ring fpirit heaves,
And weakly flutters on his fault'ring tongue,
And druggies into found.' Hear, monfter, hear,
With his laft breath he curfes perjui 'd Phaedra ;
He fummuns Phaedra to the bar of' Minos :
Thou too {halt there appear ; to torture thee
Whole hell fhaU be employ'd, and fuff ring Phadra
Shall find fome eafe, to fee thee ftill more wretched.

Lye. Oh, all ye powVs ! Oh, Phaedra, hear me, hear

* By all my zeal, by all my anxious cares, [me>

* By thofe unhappy crimes I wrought toferve you,'
By thefe old wither'd limbs, and hoary hairs,

By all my tears — Oh, heav'ns ! Hie minds me not ;
She hears not my complaints. Oh, wretched Lycon !
To what art thou referv'd ?

P/W. Referv'd to all
The (harped, flovveft pains that earth can furnifti :

To all I wifh— on Phaedra Guards, .fecure him.

\T~he Guards enter, and carry of Lycon.
Ha, Thefeus ! — Gods !— my freezing blood congeals,
And all ray thoughts, defigns, and words are loft.
Enter Thefeus.

Ybef. Doft thou at laft repent, Oh, lovely Phaedra !
At laft with equal ardor meet my vows ?

* Oh, dear-bought bleffing ! — Yet I'll not complain,

* Since now my fharpeft grief is all o'er-paid,

* And only heightens joy Then hafte, my charme*,

* Let's feaft our famim'd fouls with amorous riot,

* With fierceft blifs atone for our delay,

4 And in a moment love the age we've loft/

Phad. Stand off; approach me, touch me not ; fly

Far as the diftant fkies, or deepeft centre. [hence,

Thef. Amazement ! death ! Ye gods, who guide the

What can this mean ? ' So fierce a deteftation, [world,

* So ftrong abhorrence ! — Speak, exquifite tormentor!
' Was it for this your fummona fill'd my foul

* With eager raptures and tumultuous tranfports ;

* Ev'n painful joys, and agonies of blifs j*
Did I for this obey my Phaedra's call,

PHLEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS. S5

And fly, with trembling hafte, to meet her arms ?
And am I thus receiv'd ? Oh, cruel Phaedra !

* Was it for this you rouzM my drowzy foul

* From the dull lethargy of hopelefs love ?

4 And doft thou only ihew thole beauteous eyes

* To wake defpair, and blaft me with their beams ?

* PbaeJ. Oh, were that all to which the gods have

doom'd me 1
' But angry Heav'n has laid in flore for Thefeus

* Such perfect mifchief, fuch tranfcendent wqe,

* That the black image (hocks my frighted foul,

* And the words die on my relu&ant tongue.

4 ThrJ\ Fear not to fpeak it ; that harmonious voice
' Will make the faddeft tale of forrow pleafing,
' And charm the grief it brings. Thus, let me hearitfc

* Thus in thy fight, thus gazing on thofe eyes

* I can fupport the utmofl fpite of fate,

'And {land the rage of Heav'n — Approach, my fair.'

Phad. Off, or I fly for ever from thy light.
Shall I embrace the rather of Hippolitus?

Tbcf. Forget the villain; drive him from your foul.

' Pbad, Can I forget, or drive him from my foul ?

Oh, he will ftill be prefent to my eyes !

His words will ever echo in my ears ;

Still will he be the torture of my days,

Bane of my lite, and ruin of my glory.

4 Tbef. And mine andall. Oh, moil abandoned villain-!

Oh, lafting fcandal to our godlike race,

That could contrive a crime fo foul as inceft !

4 Pb*d. Inctft ! Oh, name it not !

The very mention (hakes my inmoft foul ;

The gods are flartled in their peaceful manfions ;

And nature lickens at the {hocking found.

Thou brutal wretch ! thou execrable monfler !

To break thro' all the laws that early flow

From untaught reafon, and diftinguifh man :

Mix like the fenfelefs herd with beftial luft,

Mother and fon prepofteroufly wicked ;

To banifh from thy foul the rev'rence due

To honour, nature, and the genial bed,

And injure one fo great, fo good as Thefeus !

* Tbej\ To injure one fo great, fo good as Phaedra.'

Oh,

56 PILE OR A AND HTPPOLITUS.

Oh, flare ! to wrong fueh purity as thine ;
Such dazzling brightnefs, tuch exalted virtue.

Phad. Virtue ! all-feeing gods, ye know my virtue.
Mult I fupport nil this r Oh, righteous Heav'n !
Can't I yetfpeak ? Reproach I could have borne,
Pointed his fatire's flings, and edg'd his rage :

But to be prais'd Now, Minos, I defy thee ;

Ev'n all thy dreadful magazines of pains,
Stones, furies, wheels, are flight to what I fuffer,
And hell itfelf's relief.

Tbcf. What's hell to thee?
*. What crimes couldft thou commit, or what reproaches

* Could innocence fo pure as Phzedra's fear ?

* Oh, thou'rt the chafteit matron of thy fex,

* The faireft pattern of excelling virtue !
' Our lateft annals fliall record thy glory,

* The maid's example, and the matron's theme.

* Each fkilful artift fliall exprefs thy form

' In animated gold. The threat'ning fword
' Shall hang for ever o'er thy fnowy bofom j

* Such heav'nly beauty on thy face fliall bloom
4 As fhall almortexcufe the villain's crime ;

« But yet that firmnefs, that unfhaken virtue,

' As ftill fliall make the monfter more detefted.

' Whe^e-e'er you pafs, the crowded way fliall found

* With joyful cries, and endlefs acclamations.

* And when afpiring bards, in daring flrains,

' Shall raife fome heav'nly matron to the pow'rs, [dra.

' They'll fay, She's great, flic's true, fhe's chatfe as Ph«-

' Phtfd. This might have been — but now, Oh, cruel

* Now, as I pafs, the crowded way fliall found [liars !
' With hiffmg fcorn, and munti'ring delegation.

* The lateft annals fliall record my (hame ;

* And when th' avenging mufe, with pointed rage,
4 Would fink fome impious woman down to hell,

« She'll lay, She's falfe, fhe's bafe, fhe's foul as Phadra.

4 Thef.' Hadft thou been foul, had horrid violation
Cafl any flains on purity like thine,
They're wafli'd already in the villain's blood ;
The very fword, his inftrument of horror,

* Ere this time drench'd in his incefluous heart,'

Bath

PH.CDRA AND HIPPOLITUS. tf

Hath done thee juftice, l and aveng'd the crimes

* He us'd it to perform/

Enter Meffcngcr.

Mejfi Alas, my lord,

Ere this the prince is dead ! I favv Cratander
Give him a i\vord ; I favv him boldly take it,
Rear it on high, and point it to his breath
With fteady hands, and with difdainful looks,
As one that fear'd not death, butfcorn'd to die,
And not in battle. A loud clamour rollow'd ;
And the furrounding foldiers hid from light ;
But all pronounc'd him dead.

Pb&d* Is he then dead ?

Tbrf. Yes, yes, he's dead ; and dead by my command.
And in this dreadful act of mournful juftice
Tin more renown'd, than in my dear-bought laurels.

Phad. Then thou'rt renown'd indeed. Oh, happy

Oh, only worthy of the love of Phaedra ! [Thefeus !
Hafte, then, let's join our well-met hands together,
Unite for ever, and defy the gods
To (hew a pair fo eminently wretched. [praife me ;

Tbef. Wretched ! for what ? For what the world mull
For what the nations (hall adore my juftice ;
A villain's death ?

Pbtfd. Hippolitus a villain !
Oh, he was all his godlike fire could wim ;
The pride of Thefeus, and the hopes of Crete !
Nor did the braveft of his godlike race
Tread with fuch early hopes the paths of honour, [dw,

Tbef. What can this mean ? Declare, ambiguous Phae-
1 Say, whence thefe fhifting gufts of claihing rage ?
' Why are thy doubted fpeeches dark and troubled,

* As Cretan feas when vex'd by warring winds ?*
Why is a villain, with alternate palfion,
Accus'd and prais'd, detefted and dcplor'd ?

Pbad. Canil thou not guefs ?
Canft thou not read it in my furious paflions ?
In all the wild diforders of my foul ?
Couldft thou not fee it in the noble warmth
That urg'd the darling youth to a6ts of honour ?

* Couldlt thou not find it in the gen'rous truth

* Which fparkled in his eyes, and open'd in his face?'

CouldA

5* PH^iDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

Could!! not perceive it in the chafte refefve:,
In every word and look, each godlike a£t,
Couldll thou not fee Hippolitus was guiltlefs ?

cfbej\ Guiltlefs ! Oh, all ye gods ! what can this mean ?

IPh&d* Mean ! that the guilt is mine, that virtuous
The maid's example, and the matron's theme, [Phaedra,
With beiHal paffion woo'd your loathihg fon,
And when deny'd, with impious accufation
Sullied the luilre ot his fhining honour ;
Of my own crimes accus'd the faultlefs youth,
And with enfnarin g wiles dettroy'd that virtue
J try'd in vain to fhake.

Tbef. Is he then guiltlefs ?

Guiltlefe ? Then what aft thou ? And, Oh, juft He:av'n I
What a detefted parricide is Thefeus ?

Pbad. What' am I r What, indeed', but one more black
That earth or hell e'er bore ? ' Oh, horrid mixture

* Of crime's and woes, of parrie ide' and inceit,

* Perjury and murder • to arm the erring father

* Againil the guiltlefs fon !' Oh, impious Lycon,
In what a hell of woes thy arts have pl-ung'd me !

Tbef. Lycon !-^—^ Here, guards — '-Oh, moil aban-

don'd villain !

Secure him, feize him, drag him piece-meal hither.
Enter Guai'ds.

Gua. Who has, my ldrd,incurr'd your high difpleafure?

ffbef. Who can it be, ye gods, but perjur'd Lycon ?
Who can infpire fuch ibrms of rage, but Lycon ?
Where has my fword left one fo black, but Lycon ?
Where, wretched Thefeus ! in thy bed and heart,
The very darling of my foul and eyes.
Oh, beauteous fiend ! Buttruitnot to thy form.

* You too, my fon, were fair; your manly beauties

* Charm'd ev'ry heart (Oh, heav'ns !) to yourdeftruclion;

* You too were good, your virtuous foul abhorr'd

* The crimes for which youdied. Oh, impioua Phaedra 1*
Inceftuous fury ! execrable murd'refs !

Is there revenge on earth, or pain in hell ;'

Can art invent, or boiling rage fuggeft,

Ev'n endleTs torture, which thou (halt not fuffer ?

Phad. And is there aught on earth I would not fuffer ?
Oh, were there rengeance equal to my crimei,

Thou

PHAEDRA 'AND HIPPOLITUS, .

Thou needft not claim it, moft unhappy youth,
From any hands but mine ! T' avenge thy fate,
I'd court the fierceil pains, ' and fue for tortures,'
And Phaedra's fuff'rings fliould atone for thine;
Ev'n now I full a victim to thy wrongs ;
Ev'n now a fatal draught works out my foul ;
Ev'n now it curdles in my mrinking veins
The lazy blood, and freezes at my heart.
Lycon brought in.

¥hef. Haft thou efcnp'd iny wrath ? Yer, impious Ly-
On thee I'll empty all my hoard of vengeance, [<-"on,
And glut my boundlefs rage.

lye- Oh, mercy, mercy !

Tbef. Such thou llialt find as thy belt deeds deferve;

* Such as thy guilty foul can hope from Thefeus ,

* Such as thou fliew'dil to poor Hippolitus.'

Lye. i Oh, chain me, whip me, let me be the fcorn

* Of fordid rabbles, and infulting crowds ;'

Give me but life, and make that life mod wretched.

* Phad. Art thou fo bafe, fo fpiritlefs a Have i
Not fo the lovely youth thy arts have ruin'd,
Not fo he bore the fate to which you doom'd him.

* Tbef. Oh, abject villain ! — Yet it give.s me joy
To fee the fears that (hake thy guilty foul,
Enhance thy crimes, and antedate thy woes.
Oh, how thou'lt howl thy fearful foul away,
While laughing crowds lhall echo to thy cries,

And make thy pains their iport.' Halle, ' hence,' awajr

with him,'

Drag him to all the torments earth can furnifh ;
Let him be rack'd and gafh'd, impaFd alive ;
Then let the mangled monfter, fix'd on high,
Grin o'er the fhouting crowds, and glut their vengeance.
Hettce^ away ! [Lycon borne off*

And is this all ? And art thou now appeas'd ?
Will this atone for poor Hippolitus?
Oh, uugorg'd appetite ! Oh, rav'nous thirfl
Of a fon's blood ! What, not a day, a moment ?

Pbaed. A day, a moment ! Oh, thou fhouldil have ftaid
Years, ages, all the round of circling time,
Ere touch'd the life of that confummate youth !

Tbef. And yet with joy I flew to his deflrucYion,

Boafled

60 PHAEDRA AND HtPPOLITUS.

Boafted his fate, and triumph M in his ruin.
Not this I promis'd to his dying mother,
When, in her mortal pangs, (he lighing gave me
The laft cold kiffes from her trembling lips,
6 And reach 'd her feeble wand'ring hand ro mine ;

* When her la ft breath now quiv'nng at her mouth,'
U7.ien her laft words now fait1 ring from her tongue ',
Irnplor'd my goodnefs to her lovely ion,

To her Hippoiitus. He, alas ! deicends

An early victim to the lazy fliades,

(Oh, heav'n and earth !) by Thefeus doomM, defcends.
Pbte. He's doom'd by Thefeus, but accus'd by Phredra,

By Phaedra's madnefs and by Lycon's hatred.

Yet, with my life I expiate my frenzy,

And die for thee, my headlong rage deitroy'd.
Thee I purfue (Oh, creat ill-fated youth )
Purfue thee (till, bur now with chafte defires ;
Thee thro* the difmal wafte of gloomy death,
Thee thro' the glimmYmg dawn, and purer day,

Thro* all th' Elyfian plains Oh, righteous Minos \

Jilyfian plains ! there he and his limena
Shall fport for ever, (hall for ever drink
Immortal love; while I far off mail howl
In lonely plains, while all the blacked ghofts

4 Shrink from the baleful fight of one move monftrous

4 And more accurs'd than they.'
Tbef. I too mutt die;

I too muft once more fee the burning more

Of livid Acheron and black Cocytus,

Whence no Alcides will relcafe me now.

Phted. Then why this Iby ? Come on, let's plunge to-

See, Hell fets wide its adamantine gates ; [gether.

* See, thro* the fable gates the black Cocytus
' In fmoky circles rowls its fiery waves ;'
Hear, hear the ft mining harmonies of woe,
The din of rattling chains, of clafhing whips,

Of groans, or loud complaints, of piercing fhrieks,
That wide thro* all its gloomy world refound.
How huge Megara {talks ! what ilreaming fires
Blaze from her glaring eyes ! what ferpents curl
In horrid wreaths, and hifs around her head !
Now, now (lie drags me to the bar of Minos :

Sft

PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS. 61

See how the awful j udges of the dead

Look itedfaft hate, and horrible difmay !

See, Minos turns away his loathing eyes ;

* Rage choaks his ftruggling words ; the fatal urn

' Drops trembling from his hand.' Oh, all ye gods !

What, Lycon here? Oh, execrable villain !

Then am I ilill on earth ? By hell I am,

A fury now, a fcourge preferv'd for Lycon.

See, the juft beings offer to my vengeance

That impious flave. Now, Lycon, for revenge :

Thanks, Heav'n, 'tis here. I'll ftrike it to his heart.

[Mtftaking Thefeus for Lycon, offers to Jiab bi>ni.
* Gua. Heav'ns ! 'tis your lord.'
Pbtsd. My lord ! Oh, equal Heav'n !

Muft each portentous moment rife in crimes,

And fallying life go off in parricide ?

This glimpfe of reafon fomc indulgent god

Hath granted me, io dofe the fccne of guilt.

Then truft not thy flow drugs— Thus fure of death,

Compleat thy horrors — And if this fuffice not,

Thou, Minos, do the reft. [Stabs herfilf.

Thef. Deffiratc to the lajl — in cv^ry pajjion furious.
Pha?d. / ajk not,

Nor do I hope from thce fdrgiveneft, Thefeus ;

But yet, amidft my crimes, remember f: ill,

That my offence was not my natures fault.

The wrath of l'renus, which purfues our racf%

Firft kindled in my breaft thofe guilty fires.

RefijUefs goddefs, I confefs thy pow^r,

To thee 1 ?fiakc libation of my blood.

Fcnus, avert thy hate — May wretched Ph&dra

Prove the la ft viElim of her fated line. [/);>/»

T'hef. ' At length /he's quiet,' Jbis dead;

And now earth bears not fuch a wretch as I hefeus.
Yet I'll obey Hippolitus, and live :
Then to the wars ; and as the Corybantines,
With clashing fhields, and braying trumpets, c!r.>',vn*d
The cries of infant Jove, I'll ftifie confcience,
And Nature's murmurs, in the din of arms.
But what are arms to me ? Is he not dead
For whom I fought ; for whom my hoary age
Gi'ow'd with the boiling heat of youth in battle r*
F

61 PHAEDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

How then to drag a wretched life, beneath

An endlefs round of ftill-returning woes,

And all the gnawing pangs of vain'remorfe ?

What torment's this ? — Therefore, Oh, greatly thought !

Therefore do juilice on thyfelf, and live j

Live above all moft infinitely wretched.

Jfmena too Nay then avenging Heav'n

Enter Ifmena.

Has vented all its rage Oh, wretched maid !

Why doft thou come to fwell my raging grief?

* Why add to forrows, and embitter woes ?

' Why do thy mournful eyes upbraid my guilt ?'

Why thus recall to my afflicted foul

The fad remembrance of my godlike fon,

Of that dear youth my cruelty has murder'd ?

Oh, gods, your reddefl bolts of fire

Had dealt lefe torment to my fujf*ring frame^

*Than that dejlruftivc <veord bath giv'n my heart !

Life yields beneath the found.

' Jfm. Ruin'd ! Oh, all ye powers! Oh, awful Thefeus !

Say, where's my lord ? Say, where has fate difpos'd him ?

Oh, fpeak ! the fear diftracls me.

4 Tbef. Gods ! can 1 fpeak ?

Can I declare his fate to his Ifmena ?

Oh, lovely maid ! couldft thou admit of comfort,

Thou ftiouldft for ever be my only care,

Work of my life, and labour of my foul.

For t'hee alone my forrows, lull'd, lhall ceafe,

Ceafe for a while to mourn my murder'd fon ;

For thee alone my fword once more fhall rage,

Reftore the crown of which it robb'd your race.

Then let your grief give way to thoughts of empire ;

At thy own Athens reign. The happy crowd

Beneath the eafy yoke with pieafure bow,

And think in thee their own Minerva reigns.

' Jfm. Mud I then reign ; nay, mu ft I live without him ?

Not fo, Oh, godlike youth ! you lov'd Ifmena :

You, for her fake, refus'd the Cretan empire,

And yet a nobler gift, the royal Phaedra.

Shall I then take a crown, a guilry crown,

From the relentleis haad that doom'd thy death ?

* Oh,

PH^DRA AND HIPPOLITUS. 65

Oh, 'tis in death alone I can have eafe,

And thus I find it. « \Ofcrs to Jlab IcrfelfS

Enter Hippolitus.

4 Hip. Oh, forbear, Ifinena !

Forbear, chafte maid, to wound thy tender bofom.

Oh, heav'n and earth ! fhould fhe refolve to die.

And fnarch all beauty from the widow'd earth ?

Was it for me, ye gods, fheM fall a victim ?

Was it for me fhe'd die ? Oh, heav'nly virgin 1*
Revive, Ifmena,

Return to light, to happincfs, and love •
See, fee thy o.vn Hippolitus, who lives,
And hopes to live tor thee.

Ifm. Hippolitus !

* Am I alive or dead ? Is this Elyfium ?
' 'Tis he, 'tis all Hippolitus. Art well ?

* Art thou not wounded ?'

Thej\ Oh, unhop'd-for joy !'
Stand off, and let me fly into his arms.
Speak, fay, what god, what miracle prefervM the<?
Didft thou not flrike thy father's cruel prefcut,
My fword, into thy bread ?

Hip. I aim'd it there ;

But turn'd it from myfelf, and flew Cratander :
The guards, not trufled with his fatal orders,
Granted my wifli, and brought me to the king.
I fear'd not death j but could not bear the thought
Of The feus' for row, and Ifmena** lofs ;
Therefore I hailen'd to your royal pretence,
Here to receive my doom.

Thff. Be this thy doom,
To live forever in Ifmena's arms.
Go, heav'nly pair, and with your dazzling virtues,
Yourcoura^e, truth, your innocence and love,
Amaze and charm mankind; and rule that empire,
For which in vain your rival fathers fought.

4 Ifm. Oh, killing joy !'

Hip. Oh, extacy of blifs !
Ami poflefs'd at latl of my Ifmena,

* Of that celeilial maid? Oh, pitying gocls !

* How fhall I thank your bounties for my fuff'rings,
' For all my pains, and all the pangs I've borne,

2 F 2 « Since

64 PH.EDRA AND HIPPOLITUS.

* Since 'twas to them I owe divine I'mena,

* To them I owe the de;>rconient of Theieus ?'
Yet there's a pain lies heavy on my heart,

For (he difailrous fiite of haplefs Phcedra.

^b(f. Deep was ht r anguifh for the wrongs flie did yoi?
She choieto die, and in her death deplor'd
Your tate, and not her own.

lT<p. * I've heard it nil.' U.-ibapty Pb&Jra !

* Oh. had not pjiffion fully 'd her renown,

* None e'er on e:iuh had flione with equal lufbe >

* So glorious liv'd. or ib lamented died.

* Her faults were only faults of raging love,

* Her virtues all her own.

4 Ifm. Unhappy Ph aedra !
4 Was there no other way, ye pitying powers,
4 No other way to crown I/menu's love ?
4 Then muft I ever mourn her cruel tate,

* And in the midH of my triumphant joy,

* Ev'n in my hero's arms, confeis fome ibrrow.'

T/jef. * Oh, tender maid, forbear with ill-timM grief

* To damp our bleilings, and incenfe the gods !'
But let's away, and pay kind Heav'n cur thanks,
For all the wonders in cur favour wrought ;

That Heav'n, whole mercy refcu'd erring Thefeu*
From execrable crimes, and endlefs woes.
Then learn from me, ye kings that rule the world :
With equal poize let ileady juflice fway,
And flagrant crimes with certain vengeance pay,
.But till the proofs are clear, the flroke delay.

* Hip. The righteous gods, that innocence require,

* Proted the goodnefs which themftlves infpire ;
' Unguarded virtue human arts defies,

' Th' accus'd is happy, while th' accufer dies.*

END of the FIFTH ACT.

")
f
j

EP2-

EPILOGUE.

Written by Mr. PRIOR*

T -ADIES, to-night your pity I implore,
*—* For one who never troubled you before ;
Jin Oxford man, extremely read in Greek)
Who from Eu — ripidfi makes Phaedra fpeak }
And comes to town to let us moderns know
How women lov'd two thoufand years ago*
If that be all, fetid I, e'en burn your play r,
£?ad) we know all that as well as they :
Shew us the handfomc youthful charioteer,
Firm in his feat, and running his career ;
Our fouls would kindle with as gen rous Jlatnafs
As e'er infpir* d the ancient Grecian dames :
Ev'ry Ijrncna would rejig n her Ircaft,
And ev'ry dear Hippolitus be bleft.
But, as it is, fix flouncing Flanders mares
Ate e'en as good as any t-wo of theirs ;
And if Hit-politus can but contrive
To buy the gilded chariot, John can drive.
Now of the bujile you have Jem to-day,
And Pbadra's morals, in this Jcbolar's play \
Something, at laft, in juftice, Jhould be fait/,

Rut this Hippolitus fo fills one** head

Well, Phadra livd as chajlly as Jlie coud,

For fae was father Jove's own fiefy and blocd ;

Her aw&ward love, indeed, ivas oddly fated^

She and her Poly were too near related ;

And yet that feruple had been laid afide^

If honejl Thcfcus had but fairly dy*d :

F 3 " But

E P I L O G U

J3uf w&tti.&c came, what needed he to know1,
J3ut that all matters flood in ilatu quo :
^Thcre was no harm, you fee j or, grant ther
She might ivavt conduct, but he wanted care.
3Tivas in a hufband little lefs than rude.
Upon his wife's retirement to intrude :
He foould have fent a night or two before,
'That he would come cxaEl at fuch an hour ;
¥hen he had turned all tragedy to jeft,
Found crfry thing contribute to his reft ;
The picquet friend difmijs\1, the coaft all clear 9
jlnd fpoufe alone, impatient for her dear,
JBut if thefc gay reflections come too late
^To keep the guilty Phaedra from her fate,
If your more ferious judgment mufl condemn
*The dire ejfefts of her unhappy flame ;
3~et, ye chaftc matrons, and ye tender fair^
J^et love and innocence engage your care ;
My Jpotlcfe flames to your protcSllon take,
dnd fyarepwr Pl#«ra for Ifmena's fake*

M-EAS 1T11E for MKASTKJE .

MEASURE for MEASURE*

AS PERFORMED AT THE

THEATRE-ROYAL, COVENT-GARDEN.

REVISED

By Mr. YOUNGER,

Prompter of that Theatre.

An INTRODUCTION, and NOTES
CRITICAL and ILLUSTRATIVE,

ARE ADDED BY THE

AUTHORS of the DRAMATIC CENSOR.

LONDON:

Printed for J 0 H N BELL, near Exeter-Pxchange, la the Stand ;
and C. ETHERINGTON, at York*

M DCCLXXIU,

IN T R O D U C T 10 N.

IT 'is one of the greateft errors fovereignty can commit, to
place unlimited confidence- :.? • fx:~ift?TS "H~p??""'l\ -~~'
pr&ftJjionS) no fawn-ings^ no fair external appearance, jbould
prevent a watchful eye over tbofe, iv/J09 by their rank and
iatronif are enabled to do much public goody or much public
prejudice ; under this~ cc>%inxr*dzblz icl;a> Shakei'peare con~
ceived Meafure for Meafure ; and he has bandkd his Cub-
je5l in a majlcrly manner ; be has taken <very fucccjsful pains
<v:ith f0ur of the characters : the Duke, Angelo, l^ucio,
and liabella ; bo-Me-ver, the hvo former require great help
from the aEion who perfonate them ; the two latter ajjift the
performers. Had the plot been pojjejjed of greater latitude ,
that heavy Jamencjs we perceive in many parts of this piece ,
would have been, avoided — The fentimcnts in general are
and extremely well adapt ed^ the language poetical and

Dd

DRAMATIS PERSONS,

DUKE,
ANGELO,

EsCALUS,

CLAUDIO,

Lucio,

PROVOST,

PETER,

ELBOW,

CLOWN,

ABHORSON,

BARNARDINE,

Covert-Garden .

Mr. BENSLEY.
Mr. CLARKE.
Mr. HULL.
Mr. WROUGHTON.
Mr. WOODWARD.
Mr. GARDNER.
Mr. REDMAN.
Mr. R. SMITH.
Mr. QUICK.
Mr. DUNSTALL.
Mr, BATES.
Mr. STOPPELAER.

ISABELLA,
MAR i ANA,

JULIET.

VR AKCISCA,
Miilrefs OVER-DONE,

Mrs. YATES,
Mrs. BULKLEY,
Mrs. IN VILE.
Mifs PEARCE.
Mrs. WHITS.

Guards, Officers, and other Attendants,
SCENE, Hernia.

ME A-

C 5 ]

MEASURE for MEASURE*
A c T i.

SCENE, ne Duke's Palace.
Enter Duke, Efcalus, and Lords.
DUKE. •'

£<
Efcal My Lord,

Duke. Of government the properties t'unfold, >
Would feem in me t'affecT: fpeech and difcourfe.
Since I am not to know that your own fcience
Exceeds, in that, the lifts of all advice
My ftrength can give you :
The nature of our people,
Our city's inftitutions, and the terms
Of common juiHce, y'are as pregnant in,
As art and practice hath enriched any,
That we rem ember. There is our commiflion,
From which we would not have you warp. Call hither,
I fny, bid come before us Angela :
What figure of us, think you, he will bear?
For you muft know, we have with fpecial foul
Elected him our abfence to fupply ;
L.-ent him our terror, dreft him with our love ;
And giv'n our deputation all the organs
Of our own power : fay, what think you of it ?

* The title of this play to perfons not very intelligent, founds
•father odd, and is fomewhat obfcure j but the play fully juftifies
and appropriates it.

Dd * Efal.

6 MEASURE for MEASURE;

E/cal. If any in Vienna be of worth,
To undergo fuch ample grace and honour,
It is Lord Angela.

Enter Angelo.

Duke. Look, where he comes !

Ang. Always obedient to your Grace's will,
I come to know your pleafure.

Duke. A-igclo,

There is a kind of character in thy life,
That to th' obferver doth thy hiilory
Fully unfold: thyfelf and thy belongings
Are not thine own fo proper, as to waite
Thyfelf upon thy virtues ; they on thee.
Ileav'n doth with us, as we with torches do,
Not light them for themfelves : for if our virtues
Did not go forth of us, 'twere all alike
As if we had them not. Spirits are not finely touchM,
But to fine iflues: nor nature never lends
The fmal'eft fcruple of her excellence,
.Bat, like a thrifty goddels, ihe determines
Herfeif the glory of a creditor,
Both thanks, and ufe. But I do bend my fpeech
To one that can my part in him advertife ;
Hold therefore, Avgelo:
In our remove, be thou at full ourfelf.
Mortality and mercy in Henna^
Live in thy tongue and heart : old FJcalus^ .
Though firft in quertion, is thy iecondary.
Take thy commiilion.

A»g* Now, good my Lord,
Let there be iome more teft made of my metal).
Before fo noble arid fo great a figure
Be ftarr.pt upon it.

Duke. \\e have with a prepared and leavened choice,
Proceeded to you ^ therefore take your honours.
We fh«Fll write to you,
As time and our conceruings (hall importune,

How

MEASURE for MEASURE.. 7

How it goes with us ; and do look to know
What doth befal you here. So, fare you well*
To th' hopeful execution do I leave you
Of your commiffions.

Ang. Yet give me, leave, my Lord,
That we may bring you fomething on the way,, .

Duke. My hafte may not admit it ;
Nor need you, on mine honour, have to do
With any fcruple; your fcope is as mine own,-
So to inforce, or qualify the laws,_
As to your foul feems good.
I'll privily away, 1 love the people :
But do not like to ftage me to their eyes * i .
Though it do well, I do not relifh well
Their loud applaufe, and Ave's vehement :
Nor do I think the man of. fafe dlfcretion,
That does affed it.. Once more, fare you well.

Ang. The heav'ns give fufety to your purpofes !

Efcah Lead forth, and bring you back in happinefs !

Duke. I thank you, fare you well. [Exit.

Efcal. I fhall defire you, Sir, to give me leave,
To have free fpeech with you ;
A pow'r I have, but of what ilrength and .nature,
I am not yet intruded.

Aug. 'Tis fo with me : let us withdraw together,
And we may foon our fatistaction have,
Touching that point.

Rjlal. I'll wait upon your Honour. [Exeunt -\.

Enter Provoft, Chudio, Juliet, and Officers.

Claud. Fellow, why dofl thou {how me thus to th*

world ?
Bear me to prifon, where I am committed.

* Sbaktfpeare has moft judic'ou/ly, on every occafion, /hown
tine infignificancy of vehement popular applaufe j an idol which
knaves fometimes worfhip, fuccefsfully, and fools always admire,
without a meaning.

f After this fcene, there are three very flight unworthy pages
«f the original, moft properly rejeded.

Prov,

8 MEASURE for MEASURE.

Prov. I do it not in evil difpofition ;
But from Lord Angela by fpecial charge.

Claud. Thus can the Demi-goc, Authority,
Make us pay down, for our offence, by weight.
The words of hear'n; on whom it will, it will ;
On whom it will not, fo ; yet {till 'tisjuft.

Enter Lucio.

Lucio. Why how now, Claiutiof whence comes this
reftraint ?

Claud. From too much liberty, my Lucio, liberty ;
As furfeit is the father of much fait,
So. every fcope, by th' immod'rate ufe,
Turns to reflraint : our natures do purfue,
Like rats that ravin down their proper bane,
A thirity evil ; and when we drink, we die.

Lvcia. If I could fpeak fo wifely under an arrelr,. I.
would fend for certain of my creditors ; and yet, to
fay the truth,' I had as lief have the foppery of free
dom, as the morality of imprifonment : .what's thy
offence, Claudia?

Claud. What, but to fpeak of, would offend again.

Lucio^ Whatis't, murder?

Claud. No.

Lucio. Wenching?

Claud. Call it fo.

Prov. Away, Sir, you muft go.

Claud. One word, good friend : — Lucio, a word with
you.

Lucio. A hundred ; if they'll do you any good .•
Is uenching fo look'd after ?

Claud. Thus Hands it upon me : upon a true contract,

I got poiTeffion of Julletta s bed,
(You know the lady,) (he is fa

fad my wife ;

Save that we do the denunciation lack,
Of outward order. This we came not to,
Only for propagation of a dower,
Remaining in the coifer of her friends ;
From \vhom we thought it meet to hide our love,
' Till time had made them for us. But it chances,

The

MEASURE for MEASURE.

The ftealth of our moil mutual entertainment,
With character too grofs, is writ on Juliet,

Claud. Unhappily, even fo.
And the new Deputy now for the Duke,
* (Whether it be the fault, and glimpfe, of newnefs ;
Or whether that the body public be
A horfe whereon the Governor doth ride,
Who, newly in the feat, that it may know
He can command, lets it ft rait feel the fpur ;
Whether the tyranny be in his place,
Or in his eminence that fills it up,
I Hanger in :) — but this new Governor
Awakes me all th' enrolled penalties f ,
Which have, like unfcour'd armour, hung by th* wall
So long, that nineteen Zodiacks have gone round,
And none of them been worn : and, for a name,
Now puts the drowfy and neglected a&
Frefhly on me : 'tis furely, for a name.

Ludo. I warrant, it is ; and thy head (lands fo tickle
on thy fhouklers, that a milk-maid, if fhe be in love,,
may figh it off. Send after the Duke, and appeal t».
him.

Claud* I have done fo, but he's not to be found.,
I pr'ythee, Lucio, do me this kind fervice:
This day my filler {hould the cloifter enter,.
And there receive her approbation.
Acquaint her with the danger of my flate.
Implore her, in my voice, that fhe make friends,,
To the flricl: Deputy : bid herielf ailky him.i
I have great hope in that ; for in her youth:
There is a prone and ipeechlefs dialed j ,
Such as moves men ! bdide, fhe hath profp?rous art,

* This is an unpardonable long pare nt he fi s j hard to fpealc
intelligibly.

f Arbitrary governors will rake amongft the mo ft antiquated
authorities, to glofs rigid exertion and extenfion of power.

J The power of female youth and beauty, is exprefled \vith
aemprebenuve brevity, iti this line.

A When

IP ME A«g U R E for M F A S U R E.

When (he will play with reafon and difcourfe ;
And well fhe can perfuade.

Lucio. I pray fhe may ; as well for the encourage
ment of the like, as for the enjoying of thy life, which
I would be ibrry ihould be thus foolifhly .loft, at a game .of
tick tack. I'll to her.

* Claud. 1 thank you, good friend Lucio*
Lucio. Within two hours, —

Claud. Come, .officer, away. \ExcunU

SCENE, A Monajlery.
ILnter Duke, and Friar Thomas -}-.

Duke. No, holy father ; throw away that thought ;
Believe not that the dribbling dart of love^
Can pierce a compleat bofom ; why I deiire thee
To give me fecret harbour, hath a purpofe,
More grave and wrinkled, than the aims and ends,
Of burning youth.

Fri. May your Grace fpeak of it ?

Duke* My holy Sir, none better knows than you^ -
How I have ever lov'd the life remov'd;
And held in idle price to haunt aflemblies,
Where youth, and coft, and witnefs bravery keeps*
I have deliver'd to Lord Angela,
(A man of ftricture and firm abfKnence)
My abfolute pow'r and place, here in Vienna ;
And he fuppoies me travelled to Poland.
For fo i've itrew'd it in the common ear,
And fo it is receiv'd: now, pious Sir,
You will demand of me, why I do this ?

* Though Lucio is drawn a fpirited coxcomb, yet for the me
lancholy circnmlUnce his acquaintance Claudia is in, we think
him furnifhed in this fcene with too much levity.

•f- That performer, who perfonatcs the Duke, in this piece,
fhould be a found, firm, judicious orator } poffefred of agreeable
medium tones, action of dignity, and emphafis of force : the
character is finely written, yet from its length and fameaefs, re
quires confiderable help from the after j who, if n»t very clever,
a chance to pal!.

Fri. .

'MEASURE for MEASURE. XI

Fri. Gladly, my Lord.

Duke. We have iiridl itatutes .and moll binding laws,
{The needful bits and curbs for headilrong fteeds,)
Which for thefe nineteen years we hnve let deep ;
Even like an o'er-grown lion in a cave,
That goes not out to prey : now, as fond fathers,
Having bound up the threatening twigs of birch,
Only to iHck it in their children's fight,
For terror, not to ufe ; in time the rod
Becomes more mock'd, than fear'd : fo our decrees,
Dead to infliclion, to themfelves are dead ;
And liberty plucks jufticc by the nofe;
The baby beats the nurfe, and quite athwart
Goes all decorum *.

Fri. It relied in your Grace
T'unloofe this ty'd-up jultice, when you pleas'd :
And it in you more dreadful would have feem'd,
Than in Lord Angela.

Duke. I do fear, too dreadful.
Sith 'twas my fault to give the people fcope,
"'Twould be my tyranny to Itrike, and gall them,
For what I bid them do. For we bid this be done,
When evil deeds have their permiliive pafs,
Ami not the punifhment Therefore, indeed, good

father,

I have on Angela impos'd the office,
Who may in th* ambufh of my name flrike home :
And to behold his (way,
I will, as 'twere a brother of your order,
Vilit both Prince and people; therefore pr'ythee,
Supply me with the habit, and inftruft me
flow I may formally in perfon bear,
Like a true Friar. More reafons for this a&ion,
At our more leifure (hall I render you \
Only, this one : — Lord Angela is precife f ;

••' The eft'ecls arifing from too great a relaxation of power, are
happily defcribed here 3 and the regal is well aflimilatcd to paren
tal authority.

f The Duke's purpofe is very fsnfibly exprefled, in the four
latl lines of this fpeech j as furmifing j«ftly, that feemcrs may
vary much from their appearances.

Stands

12 MEASURE for MEASURE.

Stands at a guard with envy ; fcarce confefles
That his blood flows, or that his appetite
Is more to bread than itone : hence mall we fee,
It' pow'r change purpofe, what our feemers be*

[Exeunt^

SCENE, A Nunnery.
* Enter Ifabclla and Francifca.

I fab. And have you nuns no farther privileges ?

Nun. Are not theie large enough ?

Ifab. Yes, truly : I fpeak not, as defiring more ;
But rather wifhing a more itri£V reftrainf,
Upon the fifter-hood, the votarifts of Saint Clare.

Lucio. \Wttkin^\ Hoa ! peace be in this place !

Ifab. Who's that, which call

Nun. It is a man's voice : gentle Ifabetta,
Turn you the key, and know his bufinefs of him ;
You may ; I may not ; you are yet unfworn :
When you have vow'd, you muft not fpeak with men,
But in the prefence of the Priorefs ;
Then, if you fpeak, you muft not fhew your face ;
Or, if you fhew your face, you muft not fpeak.
He calls again ; I pray you, anfwer him, [Exit Franc,

Enter Lucio. f

Lvcie. Hail, virgin, (if you be) as thofe cheek-rofcs
Proclaim you are no lefs ; can you fo (lead me,
As bring me to the fight of Jfabella,
A novice of this place, and the fair filter
To her unhappy brother Claudia ?

Ifab. Why her unhappy brother ? let me alk,
The rather, for I now muft make you -know
I am that Ifabella, and his filter.

* Ifabclla fhould l-» graceful and amiable in figure j her voice
full and harmonious, her emphafis rtri£Uy juft, her cadences un-
aftefted ; and the whole of her utterance remarkably perfwafive.

f The requifites for pert felf-fufficient foppery, will render
Judo a pleafan£ character } it is m<?re in fav«ur of th« aclor,
than any «iher in the piece.

Luciff.

MEASURE for MEASURE. 15

JL.udQ. Gentle and fair, your brother kindly greet*

you ;
Not to be weary with you, he's in prifbn.

Ifab. Wo me ! for what ?

IMCLO. For that, which, if myielf might be his iudgQ,
He fnould receive his puniihmcnt in thanks ;
He hath wot his friend with child.

Ijhb. Sir, make me not your itory.

Lucio. ' Fis true: — I would not (tho"tis my familiar fin,
With maids to feem the lapwing, and to jell,
Tongue.far from heart) play with all virgins fo.
1 hold you as a thing en-lky'd, and fainted ;
And to be talk'd with in fmcerity,
As with a Saint.

Ifab. Some one with child by him? — my coufin Julht /

Lucio. Is fne your con fin ?

Jja'). Adopteity, as ichool-maids change their names,
By vain, tho' apt, affection.

Lucio. She it is.

Ifab, O, let him m;irry her.

Lucio. This is the point.
The Duke is very ilrangely gone from hence.;
Upon his place,

And with full line of his authority,
Governs Lord Angdo ; a man whole blooi
Is very fnow-broth.
He hath pick'd cut an act,
Unv-lcr wh^fe lu-.-svy fenfe your brothel's life
Fulls into forfeit; he arr^its him on it j
And follows clofe the rigor of ihe llatute,
To make him an example; all hope's gone,
Unlef; you have the grace by your niir prayer,
To fatten Angela ; and that's rny pith of bufmefs,
Twixt you and your poor brother.

Ijlw. Doth he fo
Seek for his life r

Lucio. He 'as cenfur'd him, already;
And, as 1 hear, the Provuil hath a warrant,
For's execution.

Ifab. Alas ! what poor
Ability's in me, to do him good !

VOL. III. * E e Lut'r

MEASURE for MEASURE.

Lucio. Allay the power you have.

Jjab. My power ! Alas ! I doubt.

Ludo. Our doubts are traitors * ;
And make us lofe the good, we oft might win,
By fearing to attempt. Go to Lord Angela,
And let him learn to know, when maidens fue,
Men give like Gods ; but when they weep and kneel,
All their petitions are as truly theirs,
As they themfelves would owe them.

Ij'ab. I'll fee what I can do,

I.ncio. But, fpeedily.

7///6. I will about it ilrait ;
No longer flaying, but to give the mother
Notice of my affair. I humbly thank you ;
Con mend me to my brother: foon at night,
I'll fend him certain word of my fuccefs.

l.-ucio. I take my leave of you.

Ifal. Good Sir, adieu. [Exeunt f .

* This is an excellent remark, very often felt by the fhy and
tlmorou?, who let flip, through diffidence, advantageous opportu
nities, which the more confident fuitors of Fortune, pufh on to
meet.

f The firft Aft is fufficiently interefting, as it opens the plot
and characters, in a pleafing manner.

ACT IT.

SCENE, the Palace.
Enfcr Angelo, and Efcalus. *

A K G E i, o.

E muft not make a fcarecrow of the law,
Setting it up to fear the birds of prey,
And let it keep one fhape, 'till cufrom make it
1 heir pearch, and not their terror.

w

•'•• Anvth and Efcalus, though material agents in the Play, may
be fufrciently fupported by third-rate abilities; however, they
fhould look nobility, and iVeak like men of feiife.

Efcal.

MEASURE for MEASURE. 15

Efeal. Ay, but yet

Let us be keen, and rather cut a little,
Than fall, and bruife to death. Alas ! this gentleman,
Whom I would fave, had a moil noble father ;
Let but your Honour know,
Who I believe to be moil {trait in virtue,
Whether you had not, ibmetime in your life,
Err'u in this point, which now you cenfure him, '
And puli'd the law upon you. *

Aug. *Tis one thing to be tempted, E/iaIus9
Another thing to fall.
You may not ib extenuate his offence*-
For I have had i'uch faults ; but rather tell me,
When 1, that cenfure him, do fo offend,
Let mine own judgment pattern out my death,
And nothing conic in partial. Sir, he mull die.

Enter Provoit.

Efcal, Be't as your wifdom will.

Ang* Where is ihe Provojl?

Prov. Here, if it like your Honour.

Aug. See, that Claudia
Be executed by nine, to-morrow morning.
Bring him his Confeilbr, let him be prcpar'd;
For that's the utmoft ot his pilgrimage —

EjiaL -j- Well, hcav'n forgive him i and forgive us all
Some rile by {in, and fome by virtue iall :
Some run through brakes of vice, and anfwer none ;
And fome condemned for a fault alone. [Exit. f.

Prov. Is't your iix'd defign, Claitdio fhall die, to-
morrow ?

* Efcaltts here fliews himfelf fenfibly humane j if difpfr.fers of
public jufticc would, as ti'ey ought, look at hcme, the ri^^c uuujs
of law would be frequently foftened.

f Efcalus, in th<-fe lour lines, delivers a very fenfible remark ;
life frequently evinces, that the very means which ruiie fotr.c, caft
doxvn others, and that great viilaips cfcape that puF.ifliment, v.hich
falls heavy on fmaller ones.

J Here follows no lefs than feven p ges of abfolute nbilciry,
full of nothingnefs and indecencies; the annihilation of ri-.era
does credit to our author and the ft age.

Ee 2 An*.

26 MEASURE for MEASURE.

An". Did not I tell thee, yea ? hadfl thou not order ?
Why doft thou afk again ?

Prov. Left I might be too rafh.
Under your good correction, I have feen,
When, utter execution, judgment hath
Repented o'er his doom.

Aug. Go to ; let that be in inc.
Do you your office, or give up your place,
And you fhall well be fpar'd.

Prov. I crave your pardon.

What ihall be done, Sir, with the groaning Juliet f
She's very near her hour.

Aug. Difpofe of her
To fome more fitting place, and that with fpeed.

&vz«. Here is the lifter of the man condemn'd,
Ddires accefs to you.

Ang. Hath he a fiftcr ?

Prov. Ay, my good lord, a very virtuous maid,
And to be mortly of a fnterhood,
it" not already.

Aug. Well" ; let her be admitted. [Exit Servant.

Enter Lucio, and Ifabella.

Any. Y'are welcome ; what's your will?

Ifa'\ I am a woful fuitor to your Honour,
Pleafe but your Honour hear me.

Aug. Well ; what's your iuit ?

Jjltb. There is a vice that molt I do abhor,
And moft defire fhould meet the blow of jufnee:
For which I would not plead, but that I muit ;
And \ et I am
At war, V.vixt will, and will not.

Aug. Well ; the matter ?

Ijab. 1 have a brother is condc'mnM to die;
I do befeech yon, let it be his fault,
And not my brother.

Prov. Heav'n give thee moving graces !

Aiig. Condemn the fault, and not the ac'tor of it. ?
Why, every fauli'j condemn'd, ere it be done;
Mjiie were the very cypher of a function,

To

MEASURE for MEASURE. 17

To find the faults, whofe fine iiands in record,
And let go by the aclor.

Ijab. O juil, but fcvere law !
I had a brother, then ; — heav'n keep your Honour !

Lucio. Give not o'er ib : to him again, intreat him,
Kneel down before him : hang upon his gown :
"You are too cold ; if you ftiould need a pin,
You could not with more tame a tongue tlelire it.
To him, I fay.

Ijab. Mufthe needs die?

Ang. Maiden, no remedy.

Ijab. Yes ; I do think, that you might pardon him ;
And neither heav'n, nor man, grieve at the mercy.

Aug. I will not do't.

Jjhb. But can you, if you would ?

Aug. I,ook, what I will not, that I cannot do.

IJ'aL But might you do't, and do the world no wrong,
If ib your heart were touch'd with that remorfe,
As mine is ro him ?

Ang. He's fentenc'd ; 'tis too late.

Ijab. Too late ? why, no ; I, that do fpeak a word,
May call it back again: Well, believe this,
No ceremony that to Great ones 'longs,
Not the King's crown, nor the deputed fword,
The irurfhal's truncheon, nor the judge's robe,
Become them with one half fo good a grace,
As mercy does : if he had been as you,
And you as he, you would have ilipt like him ;
But he, like you, would not have been ib ilern.

Aug. Pray you, be gone.

Ijab. I wou'd to hcav'n I had your potency,
And you were Jfnbcl\ fhould it then be thus?
No; I would tell what 'twere to be a judge,
And what a prifoner.

Lucio. Ay, to ich him ; there's the veiA.

Ang. Your brother is a forfeit of the law,
And you but wafte your words.

Ijab. Alas ! alas !

Why, all the fouls that were, were forfeit once j
And he, that might the 'vantage bcil have took,

E e ^ Found

i8 MEASURE for MEASURE.

Found out the remedy. How would you be,
If He, which is the top of Judgment, fhould
But judge you, us you are ? Oh, think on that ;
And mercy then will breathe within your lip?,
Like man new made.

Ang. * Be you content, fair maid ;
It is the Law, not I, condemns your brother.
Were he my kiniman, brother, or my ion,
It fhould be thus with him ; lie dies, to-morrow.

Jfab* To-morrow ? oh ! that's iudden. Spare him>

fpare him :

Good, good my Lord, bethink you :
Who is it, that hath dy'd for thib oifencc ?
There's many have committed it.

Lndo. Ay, well laid.

A>:y. The Law hath not been dead, tho' it hathflept :
Thoie many had not dar'd to do that evil,
If the iiril man, that did th' edict infringe,
Had avifwerM for his deed.

If ali. Yet fhcr/ ibme pity.

•Aug. I fliew it molt of ail, when I fhew juflice ;
For then I pity thofe, 1 do not know ;
Which a difmiis'd offence woui 1 after gaul ;
And do him right, that, anhvenng one foul wrong,
Lives not to act another. Be fatisfy'd;
Your brother dies, to-morrow ; be content.

Jfiib. So you muil be the iiril, that gives this fentence ;
And he, that fuffers : oh, 'tis excellent,
To have a Giant's ftrength ; but it is tyrannous,
To ufe it like a Giant.

I*iicio. That's well faicL

Ifal). Could great men thunder -{•

-'' The fupplicative perfwafion nf Jjabelhi, in this fcene, is deli
cate, pathetic, and forceabls ; Sbakefpeare's humane difpoiition,
and love of mercy, are very evident, in his mafrerly recommen
dations of that heavenly attribute, particularly thofs in this Play,
and the Merchant of Venice.

f There is as much poetic fire, as f.-.s reflections, as f,ri£l
moral truth, and as powerful K-afounig, in ii;is j^-ecch, as any
Sb.ijiejpeare ever wrote.

As

MEASURE for MEASURE. 19

As Jove himfelf does, Jove would ne'er be quiet ;

For every pelting, petty, officer

Would ufe his heav'n for thunder ;

Nothing but thunder: merciful heav'n !

Thou rather with thy {harp and fulph'rous bolt

Split'll the unwedgeable and gnarled oak,

Than the foft myrtle : O, but man ! proud man,

Dreft in a little brief authority ;

Moil ignorant of what he's moil: aflur'd,

His glaily eflence, like an angry ape,

Plays fuch fantaiHc tricks beiore high heav'n,

As make the angels weep.

Prov. Pray heav'n, fhe win him !

Ifab. We cannot weigh our brother with yourfelf:
Grear men may jell with faints ;. 'tis WLL in them ;
Bur, in the lels, foul protanation. "'"
" Aug. W'- v do you pui tbefe fuyings upon me ?

Ifab, Been "" .uuhority, tho' it err like others,
Hath yer a kii, >t medicine in itfelf,
That fcns the v c o' th' top : go to your bofom ;
Knock i here, and k your heart, what it doth know
That's like my broi ler's huilr ; if it conrefs
A natural guiltinefs, i"uo.h as is nis,
Let it nor found a rho'.i:.;-;ir upon your tongue,
Again ft my brother's lire.

Aug. She fpcaks, ana Vis fuch fenfe,
That my fenil- breads with it. Fare you well.

Ifab. Gentle my Lord, turn back.

Aug. I will bethink n.e, come again, to-morrow.

Ifab. Hark, how I'll bribe you.

Aug. How ? bribe me ?

Ifab. Ay, with fuch gih , that heav'n fhall fhare
witli VV...LI.

Luc/o. You had marr'd all . e.

Jjhb. Not with fond fnelde. oi the tefted gold,
Or itones, whofe rate are eitl r rich or poor,
As fancy values them ; but v KU true prayers,

* This is a remark fenfibly fuf.ncal, upon mis-iuJging greatnef?,
which foppofe? it may do things with impunity, puniihablein thofe
of lower flation.

That

20 MEASURE for MEASURE.

That (hall be up at heav'n, and enter there,
Ere fun-rife : prayers from preferred fouls,
From failing maids, whofe minds are dedicate
To nothing temponri. *

Aug. Well ; come, to-morrow.

J/alf. Heav'n keep your Honour fafe !

Ang. Amen :

For I am that way going to temptation,
Where prayers crofs.

Ij'ab. At what hour, to-morrow,
Shall I attend your Lordfhip ?

Ang. At any time 'fore noon.

Jfab. Save your Honour! \_Exe. Lucio,

Ang. From thee ; even from thy virtue.
What's this? what's this? is this her fault, or miner f
The tempter, or the tempted, who iins moll ?
Not fhe, nor doth me tempt ; but it is J,
That, lying by the violet in the fun,
Do, as the carrion does, not as the flower,
Corrupt with virtuous fealon. Can it be,
That modeily may more betray our fenfe,
Than woman's lightnefs ? having waite ground enough,
Shall we defire to raze the fandiiary,
And pitch our evils there ? oh, fie, nV, fie !
What doit thou ? ov what art thou, Angela?
Doit thou defire her foully, for thole things
That make her good ? Oh, let her brother live :
Thieves for thc^r robbery have authority,
When judges ileal themfelves. What ? do I love her,
That I defire to hear her fpeak again,
And ieail upon her eyes?
Oh, cunning; enemy, that to catch a faint,
With faints doll bail thy hook ! moft dangerous
Is that temptation, that doth goad us on

* The fuperior i^limation of orifons, breathed from chafle fin-
cerity, to temporal rh.hes, is here beautifully fet forth.

-f- The agitations of even a bad mind, firft verging i."!^ and then
plunging into extreme guilt, are finely depidled in this foJLlocjuy :
the difcerntng aud tor and reader may ccllett much inftru&ne and
pleaQng matter from it.

To

MEASURE for MEASURE. 21

To fin in loving virtue: ne'er could the {trumpet,
With all her double vigour, art and nature,
Once ftir my temper; but this virtuous maid
Subdues me quite : ever till this very now,
When men were fond, I firuTd, and wonder'd how.

SCENE changes to a Prlfon.
Enter Duke habited like a Friar, and Provoft.

Duke. Flail to you, Provoft ; fo, I think, you are.

Prov. I am the Provoft; what's your will, good
Friar f

Duke. Bound by my charity, and my blefl order,
I come to vifit the afflicted fpirits
Here in the prifon ; do me the common right
To let me fee them, and to make me know
The nature of their crimes -, that I may miniiler
To them, accordingly.

Prov. I would do more than that, if more were
needful.

Enter Juliet.

Look, here comes one ; a gentlewoman ;

She is with child ; *

And he, that got it, fentenc'd : a young man,

More fit to do another fuch offence,

Than die for this.

Duh. When muft he die?

Prov. As I do think, to-morrow.

] have provided for you; itay awhile, [To Juliet.

And you fhall be conducted.

Duke. Repent you, fair-one, of the fin you carry ?

Juliet. I do ; and bear the lhame molt patiently.

V-:kc. I'll teach you how you {hull arraign you*

confcience,

And try your penitence, if it be found,
Or hollowly put on.

* We cannot help pronouncing the caufe of that difficulty,
Cltu&c labours under, indecent $ and therefore blarneable.

Juliet.

22 MEASURE for MEASURE.

Juliet. I'll gladly learn.

Duke. Love you the man that wrong'd you?

Juliet. Yes, as I love the woman that wrong'd him

Duke. So then, it feems, your mofl offenceful adt
Was mutually committed.

Juliet. Mutually.

Duke. Then was your fin of heavier kind than his.

Juliet. I do conlefs it, and repent it, father.

Dtike. Tis meet io, daughter ; but repent you not,
As that the fin hath brought you to this fhame ?

Juliet. I do repent me, as it is an evil ;
And take the fhame with joy.

Duke. There re it.

Your partner, as I hear, muft die, to-morrow,
And I am going with instruction to him j
So grace go with you ! lenedicite.

SCENE changes to tie Palace.
Enter Angelo.

Ang. When I would pray and think, I think and

pray,

To fev'ral fubje&s : heav'n hath my empty words,
Whilft my invention, hearing not my tonue
''

Anchors on Ifabcl: Heav'n's iirlny mouth,
And in my heart the ilrong and fwelling evil
Of my conception : the flate, whereon I Hudied,
Is like a good thing, being often read,
Grown fear'd and tedious ; yea, my gravity,
Wherein (let no man hear me) I take pride,
Could I with boot change for an idle plume,
Which the air beats for vain. Oh place ! oh form !
How often doft thou with thy cafe, thy habit,
Wrench awe from fools, and tie the wifer fouls
To thy falfe feeming * ?
How now, who's there ? Via Vald. O heav'ns !

* This foliloquy has (bme fimvlitude to that of the King m
flamlet j to which it is certainly inferior, yet wants not confider-
able merit.

Why

MEASURE for MEASURE, 23

Why docs my blood thus mufter to my heart?
How now, fair maid ?

Enter Itabella.

Jfiib, I come to know your pleafure.

Aug. That you might know it, would much better

pleaie me,
Than to demand, what 'tis. Your brother cannot live.

Ifab. Ev'n fo ? — Heav'n keep your Honour ! [Going.

Ang. Yet may he live a while ; and, it may be,
As long as you or I ; yet he mull die.

Jftib. Under your fentence ?

Ang. Yea.

Jjab. When ? I befeech you that in his reprieve,
Longer or fhorter, he may be fo fitted,
That his foul licken not.

Ang. Ha ? fie, thefe filthy vices ! 'twere as good
To pardon him, that hath from nature itol'n
A man already made, as to remit
Their fancy iweetnefs, that do coin heav'n's image,
In ft amps that are forbid.

Ifab. 'Tis fet down fo in heav'n, but not in earth.

Ang* And fay you fo ? then I lhall poze you, quickly.
Which had you rather, that the moll juit law
Now took your brother's life ; or, to redeem him,
Give up your body to fuch fweet uncleannefs,
As {he, that he hath \ tain'd ?

Ijab, Sir, believe this,
I had rather give my body, than my foul.

Aug. I talk not of your foul ; our compell'd fins
Stand more for number than accompt.

Jfab. How fay you ?

Ang, Nay, I'll not warrant that ; for I can fpeak
A gain ft the thing I fay. Anfwer to this :
1, now the voice of the recorded law,
Pronounce a fentence on your brother's life :
Might there not be a charity in fin,
To fave this brother's life ?

Ijab. Pleafe you to do't,
I'll take it as a peril to my foul,
It is no fin at all, but charity.

24 MEASURE for MEASURE..

Aug. Pteas'd you to do't, at peril of your foul,
Were equal poile of fin and charity.

Jfab. That 1 do beg his lite, if it be .fin,
Heav'n, let me bear it ! 3-011 granting my fuif,
Jf that be fin, I'll make it my morn-pray'r
To have it added to the faults of mine,
And nothing of yours anfwer.

Aug. Nay, but hear me :

Your fenfe purfues not mine: either you're ignoinnt;
Or feem fo, craftily ; and that's not good. *

Ifab. Let me be ignorant, and in nothing good,
But gracioufly to know I am no better.

Ang. Thus vvifdom vvifhes to appear molt bright",
When it doth tax itfelf :
But mark me,

To be received plain, I'll fpeak more grofs :
Your brother is to die.
Ijab. So.

Ang. And his offence is fo, as it appears
Accountant to the law upon that pain.
Jfab. True.

Ang. Admit no other way to fave his life,
(As 1 fubfcribe not that, nor any c$her,
But in the lofs of queilion,) that you his filler,
Finding yourfelf deiir'd of fuch a perfon,
Whofe credit with the judge, or own great place,
Could fetch your brother from the manacles
Of the all-holding law, and that there were
No earthly mean to fave him, but that either
You mufl lay down the treafures of your body,
To this luppos'd ; or die to let him furfer ;
What would you do ?

Ijab. As much for my poor brother, as myfelf;
That is, were I under the terms of death,
Th' impreflion of keen whips I'd wear as rubies,
And nrip myfelf to death, as to a bed,

* The manner in which A-gdo winds about his vicious pw-
pofe, is artfully dilumt ; he wants to fave explanation on his fide,
by drawing Isabella to meet his rccaning.

2 That

MEASURE for MEASURE. 25

That longing I've been lick for> ere I'd yield
My body up to (hame. *

Aug. Then mult your brother die.

Ijab. And 'twere the cheaper way ;

Better it were a brother dy'd, at once ;

Than that a lifter, by redeeming him,

Should die for ever,

An". Were not you then as cruel as the (entente,
That you have flander'd fo ?

Ijab. An ignominious ranfom-, and free pardon,
Are of two houfes ;• lawful mercy, fure,
Is nothing kin.to foul redemption.

Ang. You feem'd of late to make the law a tyrant, ,
And rather prov'd the Hiding of your brother
A merriment, than a vice.

Ijab. Oh pardon me, my Lord ; it oft falls out
To have what we would have, we fpeak not what vft-

mean :

I fomething do excufe the thing I hate,
For his advantage that I owftty love.
Aug. We are all frail. -. .
Ijab. Elie let my brother-die.
An** Nay, worn-en are frail, too.
I fab. Ay, as the glailes where they view themfelv«p j
Which are i;s eafy broke, as they make form*.
For we are foft as our complexions are,
And credulous to hvlfe prints.

Aug. 1 think it well ;
And from this telHmony of yourfe:*,
(Since, I fuppote, we're made to be no ilronger.
Than faults may fhake our frames) let me be bold :
I do arreit your words ; be that you are,
That is, a woman ; if you're more, you're none*
If you be one, as you are well expreib'd,
By all external warrants, {hew it now,
By putting on the deuin'd livery.

Ifab. I have no tongue but one ; gentle my Lord,
Let me intreat you, Ipeak the former language.

" The plaufible, villainous fophiilry of Angela^ is finely expofed,
by the ingenuous, immoveable, virtuous refolut:.on of Isabella.

VOL. III. * F f Any.

26 MEASURE for MEASURE.

Jlng. Plainly conceive, I love you.

7/1*2. My brother did love Juliet ;
And you tell me, that he fhall die for it.

Ang. He fhall nor, Ifabel^ if you give me love.

Ifab* I know, your virtue hath a licence in't,
Which feems a little fouler than it is,
To pluck on others.

Ang. Believe me, on mine honour,
My words exp' els my purpofe.

Ifab. Ha ! little hanour to be much believ'dj
And moft pernicious purpofe !
I will proclaim thee, Angela ; look for't:
Sign me a prelent pardon for my brother,
Or, "with an out-nretch'd throat, I'll tell the world,
Aloud, what man thou art.

Ang. Who will believe thee, Jfabelf
My unloil'd name, th' auilerenefs of my life,
My vouch arainil you, and my place i' th' ilate,
Will fj your accufation over-weigh,
That you (hall itifle in your own report,
And Imell of calumny. 1 have begun ;
And now I give my lenfual race the rein.
Fit thy confent to my fharp appetite,
Lay by all nicety, and * prolixious blufhes,
That banifl- what they fue for : redeem thy brother,
By yielding up thy body to my will:
Or, elfe he muft not only die the death,
Bur thy unkindnefs fliall his death draw out,
To ling'ring fufterance. Anfwer me, to-morrow ;
Or by th5 affection that now guides me mort,
I'll prove a tyrant to him. As for you,
Say what you can ; my falfe o'er weighs your true.

[Exit.

Jfab. To whom fhould I complain ? did I tell this,
Who would believe me ? O molt perilous mouths,
That bear in them one and the felt- fame tongue,
Either of condemnation or approof :

* We think the word frofixlvus rather exceptionable, and are
ready to deem bailing hlufre* better.

Bidding

M E A S U R E for M E A S IT R E. 27

Bidding the law make curt'fy to their will 1

I'll to my brother ;

Tho' he hath fall'n by prompture of the blood,

Yet hath he in him inch a mind of honour,

That, had he twenty heads to tender down,

On twenty bloody blocks, he'd yield them up>

Before his filter mould her body itoop

To fuch abhorr'd pollution^ L.,|.f

Then, IJabcl^ livechaitq; and, brother, dlej^Y

More than our brother is our chaility.

1M tell him yet of Angelas recjueit;-

And fit his mind to death, for his foul's red, [Exit. *

. . .,• f TOiI J.. '. i)?>F.'\ . !:'fWK>fr O-» '

* There is much fpirit of nice honour in this foliloquy, and it
powerfully encages, as the whole Adi in its preient ftatc feelingly
does, the firift attention of a judicious 'audience.

A C T

SCENE, n

; ' ' .
Enter Duke, .Claudio, and Provoit.

DUKE. *

. 3l.~i V- *'. ^. i /)".'' J t.:i' *••••*{... \rf *.

SO, then you hope of pardon from Lord •; Angela ?
Claud. The iniierable have no other medicine,
But only hope : I've hope to live, and am prepar'd

to die.

'Dkkt. Be abfolute for death : or death, 'orliit1, '
Shall thereby be the fweeter. Reafon thus' with life ;
If I do lofe thee, I do Idle a thing/ '
That none but fools would reck; a bre&fli thoti art,
Servile to all the Ikie^y influences,
That do this habitation, where thou keep*if,
Hourly afflict ; meerly thou art death's fool j
For him thou labour'ft by thy flight to (hun,
And yet runn'il tow'rd him itiil. Thou 'art not noble ;
For all th' accommodations, that thou bedr'$,
Are nurs'd by bafenefs : thou'rt.by no means valiant;
For thou doit fear the foft and tencer fork,

F f 2 Of

28 MEASURE for M E A S U R £,

Of a poor worm. Thy beft of reft is fleep,

And that thou oft provok''ft ; yet grofly fear' ft

Thy death, which is no more.

Happy thou art not ;

For what thou haft not, -frill thou ftriv'ft to get;

And what thou hail, fbrget'ft.

If thou art rich, thouVt poor;

For, like an afs, whofe back with ingots bows,

Thou bear'ft thy heavy riches but a journey,

* And death unloadeth thee. <Ffiehd thou haft none 5

For thy own bowels, which do call thee Sire^

The meer effufion ,of thy proper loins,

Do curfe the Gout, Sciatica, and Rbcum,

For ending thee no fponer. Thou hail nor youth, nor

:lgei

But as it were an after-dinner's fleep,
Breaming on both ; for all thy bleiled youth
Becomes as aged ; and when thou'rt old and rich,
Thou haft neither heat, aflecYmn, limb, nor beauty,
To make thy riches pleafant. What's yet in this,
That bears the name of life ? yet in this life
Lie hid more thoufand deaths ; yet death we fear,
That makes thefe edds all even f .

Claud. I humbly thank you.
To fue to live, I find, I feek to die ;
And, feekirg death, find life : let it come on.

o

Ifabelia.

Ijal. What, hoa? peace here; grace and goo-d com
pany !

Prov. Who's there ? come in : the wifii deferves a
welcoroe.

"* This is an admirable idea of worldly-minded men j bearing
about that wealth, like affes, which at the unerring call of death
t-h-y muft be dtfburthened of. Thi» fpeech requires peculiar weight
of delivery.

f The Puke, in kis addrefs to Claudlo, prefen:s us with a very
fine, and ftri£Hy moral, chain of reafoning 5 worthy the conftant
recolleclion of huffian nature, which thereby may be taught a
jutf, yet net irreligious, contempt of death.

Duke.

M'EASURE for MEASURE. 29

Duke. Dear Sir, ere long 111 vifit you again.

Claud. Molt holy Sir, I thank you.

Ijab. My bufmefs is a word, or two, with Claudia.

Prov. And very welcome. Look, SigjSior, here5*
your liftet.

Duke. Provqft, a \vord with you.

Provoft. As many as you pleafe.

Duke. Bring me where I may be concealM,
Yet hear them fpe'ak. [Exeunt Duke tfWProvoiL

Claud. Now, lifter, what's the comfort?

Ijab. Why, as all comtorts are ; moil good in deed :
Lord Angela, having affairs to heaven,
Intends you for his fwift ambafTador ;
Where you mail be an everlalting lieger.
Therefore your belt appointment make with fpeed,
To-morrow you let on.

Claud. Is there no remedy ?

Ijab. None, but fuch remedy as, to fave a head",
To cleave a heart in twain.

Claud. But is there any ?

Ijab. Yes, brother, you may live :
There is a devililh mercy in the judge,
If you'll implore it, that will free your life,
But fetter you till death.

Claud. But in what nature?'

Ijab. In fuch a one, as you, confenring to*t,
W7ould bark your honour from that trunk you bear,
And leave you naked.

Claud. Let me know the point.

Ijab. Oh, I do fear thce, Claudia ; arki I quake,
Leil thou a fev'rous life ihould'it entertain,
And fix or feven winters more refpecl1,

.
..«.;.)

Than a perpetual honour. Dar'it thou die ? .
The lente of death is molt in apprehcnfion > '
And the poor beetle, that we tread upon,
In corp'ral fulferance finds a pang as great,
As when a giant dies *.

Sbaktffearis darling principle of humanity, is delKhtfuHy
en'ed here ; in four lines we are in(lru£Vedj as we fear deain
ourfelves, not to be forward in adminillring it even to infeils. '

X t 'Claud.

30 MEASURE for MEASURE.

Claud* Why give you Hie this fhame ?
Think you, I can a refolution fetch
From flow'ry tendernefs ? if I mull die,
I will encounter darknefs as a bride,
And hug it in mine arms.

Ifab* There fpake my brother ; there my father's

grave

Did utter torth a voice. Yes, thou mufl die ;
Thou art too noble to conferve a life,
In bafe appliances. This outward fainted deputy,
Yet is a devil.

Claud. The princely Angela?

Ifab. Oh, 'tis the cunning livery of hell.
Doft thou think, Claitdl^
Ir" I would yield him my virginity,
Thou might'll be freed ?

Claud, Oh, heavens ! it cannot be.

Ifab. Yes, he would give't thee for this ran&

offence

So to offend him {till. This night's the time,
That I (hould do what I abhor to name,
Or elie thou dy'lt, to-morrow*

Claud* That (halt not do'u

Ijab. Oh, were it but my life,
Td throw it down for your deliverance,
As frankly as a pin-*.

Claud. Thanks, deareft IjabcL

Jfob. Be ready, Claudia, for your death, to-morro\tf*

Claud. Yes. Kas he affe&ions in him,
That thus can make him bite the law by th' nofe,
When he would force it? fure, it is no fin;
Or of the deadly feven it is the leafK

IJ'ab. Wiik-h is the leaf! ?

Claud. If it were damnable, he being fo wife,,
Why would he for the momentary trick
Be perdurably fin'd ? oh, Ifabell

Ifab. What fays my brother ?

Claud. Death's a fearful thing*

* Ifabtlla, in this fcene, rifes to a very peculiar degree of
tftimation, by her Bubble ideas, and fpiritod maintenance, of

chaitity.

M E A S U R E for M £ A S U R E. 3r

Ijal). And flamed life a hateful.

Claud. Ay, but to die, and go we know not where*:
To lie in cold obltrudion, and to rot ;
This feniible warm motion to become
A kneaded clod ; and the delighted fpirh
To bathe in fiery floods, or to re fide
In thrilling regions of thick ribbed ice;
To be imprifon'd in the vievvlefs winds,
And blown with rettlefs violence round-about
The pendent world ; or to be worfe than worft
Of thole, that lawlefs and incertain thoughts f
Imagine howling — 'tis too horrible !
The wearieft and moll loathed worldly iife>
That age, ach, penury, imprifoninent
Can lay on nature, is ;i paradife,
To what we fear of death.

Ifab. Alas ! alas i

Claud. Sweet fitter, let me live ,-
What fin you do to lave a brother's life,
Nature ditpenfes with the deed fo far,
That it becomes a virtue.

Ifab. Oh fuithlefs coward ! oh dimoneft wretch \
Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice ?
44 Is't not a kind of inceft, to take life
44 From thine own filler's frame? what fhould I think?
•4 Heav'n grant my mother play'd my father fair j T
" For iuch a warped flip of w'lldernefs,
44 Ne'er iffu'd from his blood." Take my defiance:
Die, perifh, might my only bending down,
Reprieve thee from thy fate, it Ihould proceed.

* The whole of Claudius plea for dreading death, is fanciful
and plaufible, but rather too fp-culative 3 and fome\vhat dangerous
for young, or timorous minds.

-}• In the preceding fentence, Sbakefpeare feems to point, in his
words, ta"wl;fs and interta'm thoughts, a doubt of, or a fatire
againft, received notions of future punifhment.

\ Thefe diftingui/hed lines, as blemifhing the chafte ideas of
JjabclU, particularly that infinuation of a mother's frJhy, fhould^
be left out; bat the noble-fpiritsd purport of her fjneech, amply
atones for a greater Hip cf iuidt

I'll

V MEASURE for MEASURE.

I'll pray a thoufand prayers for thy death ;
No word to fave thee.

Claud. Nay, hear me, IJabel.

Ifal. Oh, He, fie, fie!
Thy fin's not accidental, but a trade ,*
Mercy to thee would prove itfelf a fin ^
'Tis belt, that thou dy'lt quickly.

Claud. Oh hear me, Ifabclla.

To them, enter Duke and Provoft.

Duke. Vouchfafe a word, young filter j but one word.

Ifab. What. is your will ?

Duke. Might you difpenfe with your lei fure, I would
by and by have fome fpeech with you : the fatisfaftion
I would require, is likewife your own benefit.

Ifab. I have no fuperfluous leifure; my flay muft be
ftolen out of other affairs: but I will' attend, you a
while.

Duke. \_Afide to Claudio.] Son, I have over-heard what
hath part between you and your lifter. Angelo had never
the purpofe to corrupt her ; only he hath made an alfay
of her virtue, to praftife his judgment with the difpo-
fition of natures. She, having the truth of honour in her,
hath made hi;n that gracious denial, which he is naoft glad
to receive : lam confeflbr to Angelo, and 1 know this
to be true,- therefore prepare yourfelf to death. Do
not fatisty your refolution with hopes that are fallible;
to-morrow you mufl die j go to your knees, and make
ready.

Claud, kyt me afk my filler pardon. Pardon, dearefl
If&bcl'y I am "fo-out of love with life, that I will fue to
be rid of it. lExif Claudio.

Duke. Hold you there ; farewel. Provoft, a word
with you.

Prov. What's your will, father ?

Duke* That you will leave me a while with the mard:
my mind prom.ifes with my habit, no lofs {hull touch'
^fT by my company.

T i good tinie« '[Ex/t Provoirv

Duke*

M E A S U R E for M E A S U R E. 33

Duke. The hand, that made you fair, hath made
you good ; the goodnefs that is cheap in beauty, makes
beauty brief in goodnefs ; but grace, being the foul
of your complexion, fhall keep the body of it ever
fair. The aHault, that Angclo hath made on you, for
tune hath convey'd to my underiranding ; andf but that
frailty hath examples for his falling, I ihould wonder at
Angela : how will you do to content this fubititute, and
to lave your brother?

Ijab. I am now going to refolve him: I had rathe*
my brother die by the law, than my fon mould be un
lawfully born. But, oh, how much is the good Duke
deceived in Attgclo ! If ever he return, and I can fpeak
to him, I will open my lips in vain, or difcover his
government.

Duke. That mail not be much amifs ,• yet, as the
matter now itands, fee will avoid your accufation ; he
made trial of you, only. Therefore fatten your ear on
my ad vi lings : to the love I have in doing good, a re
medy prefents itfelf. I do make myfelf believe, that
you may mod uprightly do a poor v wronged lady a me
rited benefit; redeem your brother from the angry law ;
do no ftain to your own gracious perfon ; and much
pleafe the abfent Duke, if, rxsraqlventure, he ihall ever
return to have hearing of this bufinefs.

Ijab. Let me hear you fpeak farther ; I have fpirit
to any thing,' that appears not foul in the truth of
my fpirit.

Duke. Virtue is 'bold, and goodnefs is never fearful :
have you not heard fpeak of Mariana^ the filler of
Frederick^ the great foldier who mifcarried at fea ?

Ijab. I have heard of the lady, and good words went
with her name.

Duke. Her mould this Angela have marry'd ; was
affianc'd to her by oath, and the nuptial appointed t
between which time of the contract, and limit of the
folemnitv, her brother Frederick was wreckt at lea,
having m that perilVd vellel the dowry of his filler.
But mark, how heavily this befel to the poor gentle
woman ; there fhe loll a noble and renoU'ned brother,

in

34 M E A S U R E for M E A S U R E.

in his love toward her ever molt kind and natural ;
with him the portion and finew of her fortune, her
marriage-dowry ; with both, her hulband, this well-
feeming Angela.

Ijab. Can this be fo ? did Angela fo leave her ?

Duke. Left her in her tears, and dry'd not one of
them with his comfort; fwallow'd his vows whole,
pretending, in her, discoveries of difhonour : in few,,
beftow'd her on her own lamentation, which {he yet
wears for his fake; and ^he, a marble to her tears, ia
wafned with them, but relents not.

Ijab. What a merit were it in death, to take this
poor maid from the world! what corruption in thia
life, that it will let this man live ! but how out of this
can flje avail ?

Duke. Ir is a rupture that you may eajily heal ; and
the cure, of it not only.- laves your brother, but keeps,
you from dishonour in doing it.

Ijab* Shew me how, good father.
'jDifiif. This fbre-rjam'd maid

•flam'd maid hath yet in her the con
tinuance of her .firft- affetiloii ; his -unjuft unkindnefs
(that in .all reafon fhould have quenched her love)
hath, ljke an impediment in the current, made it more
violent and'unruly.. Qo you to Angela, anfvver his re
quiring, .with a plaulible obedience ; agree with his
demands ; only refer yourfelf to this, advantage : nrit,.
that your flay with him may not be long ; that the time
may have all, fhadow and lilence in it;, and the place
anfvver to convenience. This being granted, in courfe
now follows all : we, {hall adviie this wronged maid to
Head up your appointment, go in your place ; if the
encounter acknowledge itfelf hereafter, it may compel
him to her recompence; and here by this is your bro
ther faved, your honour untainted, the poor Mariana
advantaged, and the corrupt deputy fcaled. The maid
will I frame, and .make fit for this attempt : if you
think well to carry this as you may,, the doublenefs
of the benefit defends (the deceit frem reproof. What
think you of it ?

M E A S U R E for M E A S U R E. 35

Jfal. The image of it gives me content already ;
and, I truil, it will grow to a mofV proiperous per*
fecTion *.

Duke. Huile you fpeedily to Angela; if for this night
he intreat you to' his bed, give him promife of iatis-
radYion, 1 will prefently to St, Lukes\ there at the
moated grange reiides this dejected Mariana ; fare you
well.

Ifab. I thank you for this comfort ; fare you well,
good father. [

f SCENE clanga to tie 'Street.

Re-enter Duke as a Friar, meeting Elbow, Clown,
and Officers,

Elb. Nay, if there be no remedy for it, but that
you will needs buy and fell men and women like beafts,
we fhall have all the world drink brown and white
baftard.

Duke* Oh, heavens ! what fluff is here ?

Elb. Come your way, Sir : blefs you, .good father
Friar.

Duke. And you, good brother; what offence
hath this man made you, Sir ?

Elb. Marry, Sir, he hath offended the law; and,
Sir, we take him to be a bawd.

* If an effect fimilar to that of the Duke's proportion, in this
fcene, could have been otherwife brought about, it would have
been better; for though Isabella is made a well-intentioned, yet
/he is at prefent, to us, rather a forward and indelicate inftrument j
'however, if this objeftion is rather too nice, we fubmit it.

f This fcene, till the clown, &c. go off, though retained in per
formance, fhould certainly be omitted ; it is low ribaldry, too infig-
nificant to make even an upper gallery laugh ; and too indecent
to bear.

Dub.

36 MEASURE for M E A S U R t.

Duke. Fie, Sirrah, a bawd, a wicked bawd !
The evil that thou caufelt to be done,
That is thy means to live.
Canft thou believe thy living is a life,
So ilinkingly depending ! go, mend, mend.

dawn. Indeed, it doth {link in fome fort, Sir: bcu.
yet, Sir, I would prove —

Duke. Nay, if the devil have giv'n thee proofs for

fin,

Thou wilt prove his. Take him to prifon, officer ;
Correction and indruction mud both work,
Ere this rude bead will profit.

Elk. He muil before the deputy, Sir ; he has given
him warning ; the deputy cannot abide a whore- maf-
ter ; if he be a whore-nionger, and comes betore him.,
he were as good go a mile on his errand.

Duke. That we were all, as fomc would feem to be,
Free from all faults!

Enter Lucio.

Clown. I fpy conifort: I cry bail: here's a gentle
man and a friend of mine,

Lucio. How now, noble P-ompiy? what, at the wheels
of Ctefar? art thou led in triumph? what, is there
none ot Pigmalio)ts images newly made women, to be
had now ? how doth my dear morfel, thy miilrefs ?
procures (he Hill? ha. Art going to prifon, Pompcy?

Clown. Yes, faith, Sir.

Lucio. Why, 'tis not amifs, Pompcy : furewel : go,
fay, I fent thee thither. For debt, Pempey ? or how r

El!>. For being a bawd, lor being a bawd,

Lucio. Well, then, imprilbn him ; if impriibnment
be the due of a bawd, why, 'tis his right. Baud is
he, doubtlefs, and of antiquity too ; bawd born. Fare-
vvel, good Pompey : commend me to the jniton, Pom-
fey: you will turn good hulband no\v, Pr.ntpey\ you
will keep the houfe.-

Clown* 1 hope, Sir, your good worfhip will be my
bail,

2 I. rich.

M E A SURE for MEASURE. 37

L-iiio. No, Indeed, will I not, Pcmpry ; it is not the
wear; I will pray . Pompey, to in create your bondage;
if you take it not patiently, why, your mettle is the
more : adieu, trulty Pompey. Bids you, Friar.

Duke. And you.

Elb. Come your ways, Sir, Come.

Clo~.cn. You will not bail me, then, Sir ?

Lucio, Then, Pompcy! no, nor now. \Vhat news
abroad, Friar? what' news.?

FJb. Come your wars, Sir, come.

Lucio. Go to kennel, Pompey, go,

\l?.xcunt Elbow, Clown, azd Officers*
What news, Friar, of the Z>«.(v?

D.'d't: I know none : can you tell me of any ?

I.uc'o. Some fay he is with the Emperor of /v.v^wj
other fome, he is in Rome: but where is he, think
you ?

Du\c. I know not where ; but wherefoever, I wife
him well.

Lucia. It was a mad fantaihcul tiick of him to ttcii
from the itate, and ufmp the beggary he was ncvei
born to. Lord Angela dukes it well- in his ablencc ; he-
puts tranfgreilion to'r.

Duke. He does well in't.

Lucio. A little more lenity to wenching, would Jo
no harm in him : ibmething ax> craV>jed, that vv.iv,
Friar.

Duke. It is too general a vice, and fe verity iiiufl
cure it.

LHCM. Yes, in jnwd footh, the vice is of a great
kindred ; it is well a ly'd ; but it is impolr.hlc t> 07c-
tirp it quite, Friar, 'till eating and drinking be pur
down. They fuy, this Angela was not m:uie by man
and womMn after the downright way ot creation ; i:'
it true, think \ou ?

Duke. How Ihould he be made, then ?

Lncio. Some report, a fea-maid fpawnM him. Some,
that he was begot between two itock-firtie^.

Duke. You are plcaiant, Sir, and Ijpeak apace.

VOL. III. *G 'fe>.

38 MEASURE for M E A S U R E.

Lucio. Why, what a ruthlefs thing is this in him "
would the Duke, that is abfent, have done this ? ere
he would have hang'd a man for the getting a hundred
bailards, he would have paid for the nuriing a thou-
fand. He had lome feeling of the fport, he knew the
fervice, and that inilruClcd him to mercy.

Duke. I never heard the abfent Duke much detected
for women ; he was not inclined that way.
Lucio. Oh, Sir, you are deceiv'd.
Dnkc. ' Tis not poffible.

Lucio. Who, not the Duke? yes, your beggar of
fifty; and his ufe was, to put a ducket in her clack-
difhl The Duke had crotchets in him. He would be
drunk, too, that let me inform you.
Duke* You do him wrong, furely.
Lucio. Sir, I was an inward of his : a fliy fellow was
the Duke : and, I believe, I know the caufe of his
withdrawing.

Duke. What, pr'ythee, might be the caufe ?
Lucio No, pardon; 'tisalecret mult be lockt with
in the teeth and the lips; but this I can let you un-
derfhnd, the greater nie of the fubjeci held the Duke
to be wife.

Duke, Wife ? why, no queilion but he was.
Lucio. A very fupcriicial, ignorant, unweighing fel
low.

Duke. Either this is envy in you, folly, or mifraking;
the very frream of his life, and the bufmefs he hath
helmed, mull upon a warranted need give him a better
proclamation : let him be but teiHmonied in his own
bringings forth, and he (hall appear to the envious, a
Fcholar, a ftatefman, and a foldier. Therefore, you
fpcak unfkilfully ; or, if your knowledge be more, it is
much darken'd in your malice.

Lucio. Sir, I know him, and I love him.
Duke. Love talks w'ith better knowledge, and know
ledge with dearer love.

Lucio. Come, Sir, I know what I know.
Duke. I can hardly believe that, fince you know not
what you fpeak. But if ever the Duke return, as our

prayers

MEASURE for M E A S U R E. 39

prayers are he may, let me clefire you to make your
unfwer before him : if it be honeft you have fpoke, you
have courage fo maintain it ; I am bound to call upon,-
you, and, I pray you, your name ?

Litcit). Sir, my name is Lucio, well known to the
Duke.

Duke. He (hall know you better, Sir, if I may li ve
to report you.

IMCI'O. I fear you not.

Duke. O, you hope the Duke will return no more ;.
or you imagine me too unhurtrul an oppolite ; but,
indeed, I can do you little harm : you'll rorfwcar thisr
again ?

Lucio. I'll be hang'd iirit : thoM art deceiv'd in me,
Friar. But no more of this. Canil thou tell, it
Clattdio die, to-morrow, or no ?

Duke* Why fhould he die, Sir?

Luct'o. Why ? for filling a bottle with a funnel.
Farewel, good Friar; I pr'ythee, pray forme: the
Duke, I fay to thee again, would eat mutton on Friday.
He's now pail it; yet, and I fay to thee, he would
mouth with a beggar, tho' (he fmelt of brown * breid
and garlick : fay, that I faid fo ; ftirewel. [;£•*•&

Dnke. No might nor greatnefs in mortality,
Can cenfure fcape : back-wounding calumny
The whiteft virtue ftrikes. What King fo ilrong,
Can tie the gall up in the fland'rous tongue f ?

Enter Efcalus, Provoft.

t Efcal. Provoji, my brother Angela will not be ai«
ter'd j Claudia mull die, to-morrow : if my brother
wrought by my pity, it would not be fo with him.

* L'.cio, in this fentenee, is moft ofrcnfively grofs.

•j- The Duke plays upon I.itc'm's forward, flippant, Iving brag
gadocio dirpofuion, finely in this fcene j- and^iiis conclufjve rem?rk
on the irrefiftiyle force of fcandal, is indifputably jutl j for the
isoft exalted, as wcil as the lewsft ftationr> are leveled and fub-
jetted to its envenomed darti.

J This fccne f So aid begin here ; the jTeceding half dozen
fiieeches are rather a low intrufion upon attention.

G g 2 Prow*

40 M E A S U R E for M E A S U R E.

Pri*v So pieafe you, this Friar hath been with him,
and advis'd him tor the entertainment of death.

£jlal. Good even, good father.

Duk?. Blifs and goodnefs on you !

Jijl-d. Of whence are you ?

-D/yl:'. Not oi this country, tho' my ehrmce is now
To ufe it for my time : 1 am a brother
Of gracious order come from the fee of Row^
In fpecial bufmefs from his Holinefs.

JLjlal. What news abroad i'lh' world ?

Dttke. * None, but that there is fo great a fever on
goodnefs, that the difiblution of it mult cure it. No
velty is only in requeil ; and it is as dangerous to be
aged in any kind of courfe, as it is virtuous to be con-
.fhint in any undertaking. Much upon this riddle
runs the wifdom of the world ; this news is old enough,
yet it is every day's news. I pray you, Sir, of what
diipolltio.n was the Duke ?

JLfcal. One, that, above all other llrifes,
Contended fpecially to know himftlf.

Duke. VVliat pleafure v\-as lie giv'n to ?

.JLjlal. Rather rejoicing to fee another merry, than
merry at any thing which pro fell -to make him rejoice.
A gentleman, of all temperance. But leave we him to
his events,- with a prayer they may -prove profperous;
and let me defire to know, how you find Claudia pre-
par'd ? I am made to underiland, that you have lent
him viiiration.-

Duke. He profefTes to have received no fniiler mca-
fure from his judge, but molt willingly humbles h'un-
feif to the determination of juitic-* ; yet had he fuimM
tohimlel?-, by the inilruction of his frailty, many de
ceiving promifes of life; wh^ch I, oy my good leiiure,
have difcredited to him, ana nov/ is he rdblv'd to die.

* The Doke's remarks here, are very fcnfible, and well Aiitcd
to the j-refent times j Novelty, having never been in any nge or
coun'ry more worfhined, tli^n at this day, when frippery orna
ments and entertainment for the body, are preferred to wholefou e
food for the mir.d.

E/cal.

MEASURE for MEASURE. 41

Efcal. You have paid the prifoner the very debt of
your calling. I have laboured tor the good gentleman ;
but my brother juftice have I found fo fevere, that he
hath forc'd me to tell him, he is indeed juiiice.

Dukcm If his own life anfwer the flraitnefs of his
proceeding, it (hall become him well ; wherein if he
chance to fail, he hath fen ten cM himfelf.

Efcal. I am going to vifit the prifoner ; fare you
well. [Exit. -

Duke. Peace be with you !
He who the fword of heav'n will bear, .
Should be as holy as fevere * :
More nor lefs to others paying,
Than by felf-offences weighing.
Shame to him, whofe cruel linking,
Kills for faults of his own liking.
Twice treble {hame on Angclo^
To weed my vice, and let his grow !
Oh, what may man within him hide, -
Tho' angel on the outward fide !
Craft again ft vice I muft apply. -
With Angeh to-night, fhall lie
His old betrothed, but defpis'd ;
So difguife ihall by th' difguis'd,
Pay with falfhood falfe exacting,-.
And perform an old contracting. , [Exit.^

* The fentimentsof this foliloquy are juft and inftru£ive ; but ;
the namby-pamby verification, in which they are conveyed to '
our apprehenfion, is abominable.

f This Aft, fave the fecond fcene, which we have objected tn, ,
is written with great ability, and contains fome xv fiae fc»timense'»-- ;
as- ever Sbakefffare penned, .

Gg? 4C

42 M E A S U R E for M E A S U R E.
A C T IV.

S C E N E, A Grange.
Enter Duke rf.W liabella, we?fJ.<tg,

DUK F.

VERY well met, and well come * ;
What is the news from this good deputy r

Jjab. He hath a garden with a vineyard backt ;
And to that vinegard is a planched gaie,
That makes his opening with this bigger key :
This other doth command a little door,
Which from the vineyard to the garden leads ;
There, on the heavy middle of the night,
Have I my promife made to call upon him.

Duh. Butfhall you on your knowledge find this way*

I fub. I'veta'en a due and wary note upon't;
With whifpYing jiiid molt guilty diligence,
In action all of precept, he did {hew me
The way twice o'er.

Duke. Are there no other tokens
Between you 'greed, concerning her observance ?

JjhJ}. No, none ; but only a repair i'th' dark ;
And that I have pofleil him, my moil flay
Can be but brief ; for I have made him know,
I have a fervant conies with me alonjr,
That Hays upon me ; v/hofe perfuafion is,
I come about my brother.

Duke. 'Tis well born up.
I have not yet made known to Mariana,
A word of this. Who.:, hoa ! within! come forth !

Enter Mariana.

I pray you, be acquainted with this maid;
She comes to do you good.

* There are fome fpeeches and a fong, previcns to tm?> pro-
jicr'y left out j the Ad begins better iisre.

MEASURE for MEASURE. 43

Jj'ab. I do dcfire the like.

Duke. Do you perfuaJe yourfelf that Irefpectyou?

Marl. Good Friar, I know 3-011 do ; and I have
found it.

Duke. Take then this your companion by the hand.
Who hath a ftory ready tor your ear :
I (hall attend your leifure ; but make hufte ;
The vaporous night approaches.

Maria. Will't pleafe you walk afide ?

[Exeunt Mar. ami Ifab.

Duke. Oh place and greatnefs ! millions of falfe eyes
Are ftruck upon thee volumes of report
Run with thele falfe and moft contrarions
Upon thy doings : thoufand 'fcapes of wit
Make thee the father of their idle dreams,
And rack thee in their fancies ! welcome; how agreed ?

* Re-enter Mariana, and Label.

Ijab. She'll take the enterprize upon her, father,
If you advile it.

Duke. 'Tis not my confent,
But my intreaty too.

Ifal. Little have you to fay.
When you depart from him, but foft and low,
" Remember no~M my brothers?

Mart. Fear me not.

Duke. Nor, gentle daughter, fear you not at all:
He is your hufband on a pre-contract;
To bring you thus together, 'tis no fin ;
Sith that the juilice ot your title to him
Doth flouriih the deceit. Come, let us go;
Our corn's to reap ; for yet our tilth's to fow. [Exeunt*

* The return of Marlnna and Ifabe!, is much too fudden \
there fhould have b'.'cn a paufe, of at leaft eight or ten lines
more than the Duke's foliloquy, to give them probable time fur
their purpolc.

SCENE

44 MEASURE for MEASURE.

SCEME changes to a Frifon..
Enter Provoft and Clown.

P'rov-, Gome hither, firrah : can you cut off a man's
head ?

CVWiw*. If the man be a batchelor, Sir, I can; but
if he be a marry 'd -man,- he is his wife's head, and I can
never cut off a woman's head.

Prov. Come, Sir, leave me your Thatches, and yield
me a direct anfwer. To-morrow morning are to die
Claudia and Ttarnardrae ; here is in our prifon a com
mon executioner, who in his office lacks a. helper ; if
you will take it on you to affift him, it fhall redeem you
from your gyves : if nor,, you ihall have your full time
of imprifonment, and your deliverance with an unpi-
tied whipping ; : for you have been a notorious bawd.

Clown. Sir, I have been an unlawful bawd, time
out of mind, but yet I will be content to be a lawful
hangman : I would be glad to receive fome infmidion
from my fellow- partner.

Prov, What hoa, Abborfonl wherc's Abhor/on^ there?

Enter Abhorfon.

Abhor. Do you call, Sir?

Prm. Sirrah, here's a fellow will help you, to-mor
row, in your execution. He cannot plead his eitimation
with you, he hath been a bawd.

Abhor. A bawd, Sir ? fie. upon him, he will difcredit
our myftery,

Prov. Go to, Sir, you weigh equally ; a feather will
turn the fcale. [Exif.-

Clown. Pray, Sir, by your good favour; (for, fure-
ly, Sir, a good favour you have, but that you have a
hanging look;) do you call, Sir, your occupation a
myitery ?

Abhor. Ay, Sir ; a myftery.

Clown. Painting, Sir, I have heard fay, is a myitery;
and your whores, Sir, being members of my occupa
tion, ufing painting, do prove my occupation a myi
tery :

MEASURE for MEASURE. 45

lery : but what myftery there mould be in hanging, if
1 (hould be hang'd, I cannot imagine.

jflbhar. Sir, it is a myftery •

Clo-Jin. Proof

slbbor. Kvery true man's apparel fits your thief,
Clown: if it be too little for your true man, your
thief thinks it big enough. If it be too -big for your
true man, your thiet thinks it little enough j fo every
true man's apparel tits your thief.

Re- enter Provoft.

Prov. Are you agreed ?

Clown. Sir, I will ferve him : for I do find, your
hangman is a more penitent trade than your bawd;
he doth ofmer afk forgivenefs.

Prcv< ,You, firrah, provide your block and your ax,
to-morrow, four o'clock.

Abhor. Come on, bawd ; I will inflruct thee in my
trade ; follow.

Clown. \ do defire to learn, Sir ; and I hope, if you
have occafion to ufe me for your own turn, you mall
find me yare : for truly, Sir, for your kindnefe I owe
you a »o od turn. [.£»'/•

Prov. Call hither Rarnardine and Claudia:
One has my pity ; not a jot the other,
Being a murth'rer.

Enter Claudio.

* Look, here's the warrant, Claudto, for thy death ;
' Tis now dead midnight, and by eight to-morrow,
Thou mull be made immortal. Where's Barnantinc ?

Clauih As fa ft lock'd up in lleep, as guiltlefs labour,
When it lies ftarkly in the traveller's bones :
He'll not awake.

;-; We could wifh all the preceding part of this fcsnc omitted, as
trifling, or rjther worfe j and that Claudia's meeting the Prc-uoft
fliould begin it. We fuppofe feveral parts which are retained, as
well as this, owe their pn-fervation to a fear of Shortening the
play, too much j not any merit they poflcfs.

Prov.

46 MEASURE for MEASURE.

Pratt* Who can do good on him ?
Well, go, prepare yourfelf. [Exit Clatfdio*

Heav'n give your ipirits comfort !•
Welcome, father.

Enter Duke.

Duke. The beft and wholeibm'ft fpirits of the night,.
Envelop you, good Provofl ! who call'd here, of late I

Pro<v. None, fince the curfew rung.

Duke. Not Jjabelf

Prov. No.

Duke. She will then, ere't be long.

Prov. What comfort is for Claudia?

Duke, There is forne in hope.

Prov. It is a bitter deputy.

Duke. Not fo, not fo : his life is paralleled,
Ev'n with the flroke and line of his great juftice j
He doth with holy abliinence fubdue
That in himfelf, which he fpurs on his pow'r
To qualify in others. Were he meai'd
With that, which he corrects, then were he tyrannous ;
But this being fo, he's juft. Now are they come.

[Knock again. Provoft goes out\
This is a gentle Provoft ; ieldom when
The fleeled gaoler is the friend of men.
How now ? what noife ? that fpirit's pofleft with hafte,
That wounds th' unreiilting poitern with thele ftrokes.

[Provoft returns,.

Prov. There he muft Hay, until the officer
Arile to let him in ; he is call'd up.

Duke. Have you no countermand for Claudio, yetr
But he muft die, to-morrow?

Prov. None, Sir, none.

Duke. As near the dawning, Provoft 9 as it isy
You fhall hear morc> trc morning.

Prov. Happily,

You ibmethmg know ; yet, I believe there comes*
No countermand ;.
Lord Angdo hath to the public ear,,
Pro fell the contrar.

MEASURE for MEASURE. 4;

Enter a Me/finger.

Duke.. This is his Lordfhip's man.

Prov. And here comes Claudios pardon.

Miff. My Lord hath fent you this note, and by me
this further charge, that you fwerve not from the
fmajleit article of it, neither in time, matter, or other
circumitance. Good-morrow ; for, as I take it, it is
aim oft day.

Prov. I fhall obey him. [Exit Meflcn.

Duke. Now, Sir, what news ?

Prov. I told you: Lord Angela, belike, thinking
me remifs in mine office, awakens me with this un
wonted putting on; methinks, ftrangelyj for he huth
not us'd it before.

Duke. Pray you, let's hear.

Provoft reads the Letter.

H'baifiever you may bear to the contrary, let Chtiulio le
executed by four of tbc clock, and in the afternoon Bar-
nardine: for niy better fatisfacl,um, let me have Cl au
dio's bead fent me by five. Let this be duly performed,
with a thought that more depends on it than we muft
yet deliver. Thus fail not to do your office, as you <a^7/
anjwer it at your peril.

What fay you to this, Sir ?

Duke. What is that Barnardine, who is to be exe
cuted in the afternoon ?

Prov. A Bohemian born ; but here nurs'd up and
bred : one, that is a priibner nine years old.

Dnke. How came it, that the abfent Duke had not
cither deliver'd him to his liberty, or executed him ?
I have heard, it was ever his manner to do ib.

Prov. His friends iVill wrought reprieves for him ;
and, indeed, his fart, till now in the government of
Lord Angelo, came not to an undoubtful proof.

Duke. Is it now apparent ?

Prov. Mort manifert, and not deny'd by himfelf.

Duke. Hath he born himfelf penitently in prifon?
how fcems he to be touch'd ?

Prov.

48 MEASURE for MEASURE.

Prov. A man that apprehends death no more dread
fully, but as a drunken ileep ; carelefs, .recklefs, and
fearlefs of what's pail, prefent, or to come ; infenfible
of mortality, and defperately mortal.

Duke. He wants advice.

Prov. He will hear none. We have very oft awak'd
him, as if to carry him to execution; but it hath not
mov'd him at all.

Duke. More of him, anon. There is written in your
brow, Proi'oft, hcneily and conilancy ; if I read it not
truly, my ancient ikill beguiles me ; but in the boldnefs
of my cunning, I will lay my felt in hazard. Claudto,
whom here you hate a warrant to execute, is no greater
forfeit to the law, than Axgih, u ho hath fentenc'd him.
To make you imdcriland this in a mani felted effect, I
crave but four days refpite ; for the which you are to
GO me both a prefent and a dangerous courtefy.

l*r,jv. Pray, Sir, in what r

Duke. In the delaying death.

Prtw. Alack ! how may I do it, having the hour
limited, and an exprefs command, under penalty, to
deliver his bead in the view of A//gelo? I may make
my cafe as dauditfs, to crois this, in the fmallelr,.

Duke. By the vow of mine order, I wr.rrant you, if
my inilruc'tions may be your guide : let this Kaniar-
J'ULC be this morning executed, and his head born to

Prov. Angela ha:.h feen them both, and will difccvcr
the favour.

Duke. Oh, death's a great difguifer, and you may
add to it; (have the hc:.d, and fay it was the defire of
the penitent, before his death ; you know the courfe is
common. If any thing fall to you, upon this, more than
thanks and good forum?, by the faint whom I profefs,
I will plead againit it, with my life.

Pi\r.\ Pardon me, good lather; it is againfl my
oath.

Duke. Were you (worn to the Duke, or to the De
puty ?

Prov. To him, and to his Subfthutes.

6 Dukr.

MEASURE for MEASURE. 49

te.. You will think you have made no offence, if
the Duke avouch the juilice of your dealing ?

Pron\ But what likelihood is in that ?

Duke. Not a refemblance, but a certainty. Yet fmce
I fee you fearful, that neither my coat, integrity, nor
my perfualion, can with eafe attempt yen, I will go
further than I meant, to pluck all fears out of you.
Look you, Sir, here is the hand and feal of the D.ike;
you know the chamber, I doubt not, and the lignet is
not ft range to you.

Prov. I know them both.

Duke. The, contents of this is the return of the Duke ;
you mall anon over-read it, at your pleafure ; where
you (hall rind, within thefe two days he will be here.
This is a thing which Angela knows not; for he this
very day receives letters of ftrange tenor ; perchance,
ot the Duke's death ; perchance, of his entering into
fome monailery ; but, by chance, nothing of what is
writ. Look, the unfolding irar calls up thefhepherd ! *
put n.)t yourfelf into amazement how thefe things
ihould be ; all difficulties are but cafy, when they arc
known. Call your executioner, and off with Ramar-
d'ws head : I will give him a prclent fhrift, and ad-
vile him for a better place. Yet you are amuz'd ; but
this fhall abfolutely relolve you. Come away, it: is
almoft clear dawn. [Exeunt,

Eater Abhor foil ami Clown.

Abhor, Sirrah, bring Rarnardlnc hither.

Clo-jcn. Mailer Barnardine^ you mull rife, and be
hang'd, mailer fiarnardine.

Abbor. What, hoa, Barnardine!

Earnar. [//?//>//;.] A pox o' youf throats ! who
makes that noife there ? \vhat are you ?

Cl&ixn. Your friend, Sir, the hangman : vou mail
be fo good, Sir, to rife, and be put to death.

- This fliort break, in the Duke's fpe?ch, is very beautiful ; it
js a well-timed relief to, and pleafing gratlficat'on of, attention.

VOL. III. * H h Haniar.

50 MEASURE for MEASURE.

Baniar. \WltbinS\ Away, you rogue, away; I am
•fleepy.

Abhor, Tell him, he muft awake, and that quickly
too.

Clown. Pray, mafler Barnardinc, awake till you are
executed, and fleep afterwards.

Abhor, Go in to him, and fetch him out.
.Clows. He is coming, Sir, he is coming; I hear the
ilraw ruille.

Enter Barnardine. *

Abler. Is the ax upon the block, firrah ?

.Cio-'VK. Very ready, Sir.

Barnar* Ho\v now, Abborfon ! what's the news with
you ?

Alkcr. Truly, Sir, I would deiire you to clap into
your prayers : for, look you, the warrant's come.

Jlar-iiar. You rogue, 1 have been drinking, all night,
lam not -fitted foi't*

Ciowi. Oh, the better, Sir ; for he that drinks all
night, and is hang'd betimes in the morning, rnav
lleejj the founder all the next day.

jLntcr Duke*

Albor. Look you, Sir, here comes your ghollly fa-
flier; do we jeu now, think you?

Duke. Sir, induced by my charity, and hearing how
hailily you are to depart, I am come to aclvife you,
comfort you, and pray with you.

Baritar. Friar, not I : I have been drinking hard, all
rnght, and I will have mote time to prepare me, or
they ihali beat out my brains with billets: I will not
coafent to die, this day, that's certain.

Duke. Oh, Sir, you mull ; and therefore, I befeech
you, look forward on the journey you (hall go.

* Barnardim, though natural, is a chara&ef of that caft we
risem unworthy both of the rtage and cicfet.

Bdmar.

MEASURE for MEASURE. 5*

Itarnar. I fwcar, I will not die, to-day, for any manV
perfuaiion.

Duke. But hear you

Barnar. Not a word : if you have any thing to fay to
me, come to my \vard ; tor thence will uot I, to-day.

[Exit*

Enter Pro volt.

Duke. Unfit to live, or die.

Prov. Now, Sir, how do VOM find the prifoncr .•*

Duke. A creature unprepar'tl, unmeet for death :•
Ant*, to tranfport him in the mind he is,
Were damnable.

Prov. Here in the priibn, father,
There dy'd, this morning, of a cruel teve*',
One Rttgozhie, a molt notorious pirate,
A man ot C hue Jit/ s yeais; Iris beard, an. I hraJ,
full of his colour : What if \ve omit
This reprobate, Yili he were \vcli inclin'J ;
AP.J fatisiy the Dep-.ity with the vifago
Oi RagozJnCi more iike to Ciafullof

Duke. O, 'tis an a-:cideiit, that heav'n provider;
Diipatch it prefearly ; the hour draws on,
Prefixt by Angela : lee, this be done,
And fent according to command; whi!? I
Tcrfiiade this rude wretch willingly to cue.

Prov. This (hail be done, good father, prefently ;
But how fliall we continue Clandh,
To fave me from the danger that might come,
It he were known alive ?

Duke. Let this be done ;

Put them in lecret hold?, both fiarnaniine and CkuJ't;
]^re twice the fun hath made his journal greeting
To yonder generation, you ihall mid
Your fafety man i felled.

Prov. I am your free dependant.

Quick, difpatch, and fend the head to' An-
g*lo* \JL.\h Prov.

H h 2 Now

52 MEASURE for MEASURE.

Now will I write letters to Angela^

(The Provaft) he fhail bear them ;) vvliofe contents

Shall witneis to him, I am near at home ;

And that, by great injunctions, I am bound

To cuter publicly : him I'll deilre

To meet me at the coniecrated fount,

A league below the city ; and from thence,

By cold gradation and \veal-balancM form,

We (hall proceed with Angela.

Enter Provofh

Prov. Here is the head, I'll carry it myfelf.

Duke. Convenient is it r make a fwift return;
For I would commune with you of iuch things,
That want no ears but yours.

Prcv. I'll make all fpeed. [Exit.

I fab. \Hritbin,~\ Peace, boa, be here !

Duke. The tongue of ffabcHti. — She comes to know,
If yet her brother's pardon b-: come hither:
Mut I will keep her ign'rant of her good,
To iivake her heav'nly comforts of de-pair,
When it is leail expected.

Enter Ifabel.

Jffih. Mon, by your leave

Duke. Good morning to you, fair and gracious
daughter.

Ijhl: The better, given me by fo holy a man :
Hath yet the Deputy (ent my brother's pardon ?

Duke. He hath releas'd him, Ifabel^ from the world ;
His head is off, and fent to Angela.

Jfab. Nay, but it is not fo ?

Duke. It is no other.

Ifab. Unhappy Claudia, wretched Ifabel!
Injurious world, moil damned Angela!

Luke. This nor hurts him, nor profits you a jot :
Forbear ir, therefore, give your canfe to beav'n :
M:uk \vl.ut I fay; which you (hall lurch liad

MEASURE for MEASURE. 53

By ev'ry fyllablc a faithful verity.

The Duke comes home, to-morrow ; dry your eyes ;

One of our Convent, and his ConrelFor,

Gives me this inftance: already he hath carry'd.

Notice to Efcalus and Angela 9

Who do prepare to meet him at the gate?,

There to give up their pow'r. If you can, pace yoi:r

wifdom

In thdt good path that I would wifh it go,
And you fhall have your bofom on this \vretch,
Grace of the Duke, revenges to your heart,
And gcn'ral honour.

Ij'ab. I'm direrted by you.

Duke, This letter then to Friar Peter give,
'Tis that he fent me of the Duke's return:
Say, by this token, I defire his company
At Marianas houfe, to-night. Her caufe and yours
I'll perfect him withal, and he (hall bring you
Before the Duke ; and to the head of Angela
Accufe him home, and home. For my poor felt,
I am combined by a facred vow,
And fhall be abfent. Wtnd you with this letter;
Command thefe fretting waters from yorr eyes,
With a light heart ; truit not my holy Order,
If I pervert your courfe.

Enter Lucio,

Lucia. Good even ;
Friar, where's the Provoft f

Duke. Not within, Sir.

Lucio. Oh, pretty Jfabclla, I nin pale at mine heart,
to fee thine eyes fo red ; thou mull be patient; I am
fain to dine and lup with water and bran ; I dare not
for my head fill my belly : one fruitful meal would
fet me to't. But, they fay, the Duke will be here, to
morrow. By my troth, JfaM, I lov'J thy brother :
if the old fantaftical Duke of dark corners, had been
at home, he had liv'd. [Exit IfabelLi.

H h 3 D.:ke,

54. MEASURE for MEASURE.

Duke. Sir, the Duke is marvellous little beholden to
your reports ; but the bell is, he lives not in them.

Luclo. Friar, thou knowefr. not the Duke, ib well as
I do ; he's a better woodman, than thou tak'it him for.

Duke. Well ; you'll anfwer this, one day. Fare ye
well.

Luclo. Nay, tarry, I'll go along with thee : I can
tell fhee pretty tales of the Duke.

Duke. You have told me too many of him already,
Sir, if they be true ; if not mie, none were enough.

Luclo. I was once before him, for getting a wench
with child. *

Duke. Did you fuch a thing?

Luclo. Yes, marry, did I ; but I was fain to forfwear
it; they would elfe have marry 'd me to the rotten
medlar.

Duke. Sir, your company is fairer than honeil : reft
you Well.

Luclo. By my troth, I'll go with dice to the lane's-
end : if bawdy talk otfend you, we'll have very little
•of ir ; nay, Friar , 1 am a kiiui of burr, I fhall ilick.

[Exeunt, -f

SCENE changes to tie Palace.
Enter Angelo and Efcalus.

Efcal. Every letter he hath writ, hath difvouch'd the
.other.

Aug. In moft uneven and difaa&ed manner. His
aftior.s fhew much like to madnefs : pray heav'n, his
xvifdom be not tainted : and why meet him at the
gates, and deliver our authorities there?

JK/ca/. I guefs not.

A'ig. And why fhould we proclaim it, an hour
before his entring, that if any crave redrefs of injuf-
tice, they fhould exhibit their petitions in the facet ?

* There is too much child-getting in this piece-
-{- There is confideral.-le pleafantry fuggtfted in this fhort fcenr,
between the Duke and Luclo,

Efcah

MEASURE for MEASURE. 55

Efcal. He {hews his reafon for that ; to have a dif-
patch of complaints.

Aug. Well ; I befeech you, let it be proclaimed, be
times i'th* morn ; I'll call you at your houfe : give
notice to fuch men of fort and fuit, as are to meet
him.

Efcal. I fhall, Sir : fare you well. \ILxit.

Aug. Good night.

This deed unfhapes me quite, makes me unpregnant,
And dull to all proceedings. A defloured maid I
And by an eminent body, that entorc'd
The law againft it ! But that her tender {name
Will not proclaim againft her maiden lofs,
How might fiie tongue me ? yet reafon dares her :
For my authority bears a credent bulk ;
That no particular fcandal once can touch,"
But it confounds the breather. He mould have liv'd,
Save that his riotous youth, with dangerous fenfe,
Might in the time to come have ta'en revenge,
By fo receiving a difhonour'd life,

With ranfom of fuch fhame. Would yet, he had liv'd !
Alack, when once our grace we have forgot,
Nothing goes right ; we would, and we would not. *

[£*//. f

* After this foliloquy, there is a page of immaterial import
kft out, which makes the fourth ad end much better.

•f- The Fourth A£t has not, in our view, fo much merit as the
Third, yet does not fink, fo as to pall, in any fhape ; though the
writing is not fo nervous and fanciful, the progrefiive circum-
ilances of the plot rife well.

ACT

$6 MEASURE' for MEASURE.

ACT V.

SCENE, a public Place near tie City.

,C/<#rDuke, Lords^ Angelo, '-EfraKjs, 'Lncio, at fever al
doors*

DUKF.

MY very worthy coafin, fairly met ;
Our old and faithful friend, we're glad to fee you.

dng. and Eftal. Happy return be to your royal
Grace !

Duke. Many •and hearty thanks be to you both ;
We've made enquiry ot you, and we hear
Such goodnefs of your juftice, fchat our foul
Cannot but yield you forth to public thanks,
Forerunning more requital.

dng> You make my bonds ftill greater. '

Duke. Oh your deiert freaks loud. *
Give me your hand,

And let the fubjecls fee, to make them know
That outward courtefies would fain proclaim
Favours that keep within. Come, Efcalus ;
You muft walk by us on our other hand :
And good fupporters are you. [As the Duke is going 0/;S,

Enter Peter and Ifabella.

Peter. Now is your time; fpeak loud, and
before him.

* Thefe lines ought to be fpoken,

And I Jbould wrong ;V,
*To lock it in the wards, of covert bofom,
When it defer -vesy with characters of brafst
A for ted rejidence, 'gain/I the tooth of time,
And razure of oblivion^

MEASURE for MEASURE. 57

Jfab. Juftice, O royal Duke; vail * your regard
Upon a wrong'd, I'd tain have faid, a maid;
Oh, worthy Prince, difhonour not your eye
By throwing it on any other object,
'Till you have heard me in my true complaint,
And given me juftice, juiHce, jutHce, juitice. f

Duke. Relate your wrongs ; iu what, by whom ?

be brief :

Here is Lord Angela (hall give you jullice;
Reveal yourfelf to him.

I fab. Oh, worthy Duke,
You bid me feek Redemption of the Devil :
Hear me, yourfelf j for that which I mult fpeak,
Muft either punifh me, not being belie/d,
Or wring redrefs from you : oh, hear me, hear me.

Ang. My Lord, her wits, I fear me, are not firm i
She hath been a fuitor to me for her brother,
Cut off by courfe of juitice.

Ijab. Courfe of jutlice !

And fhe will fpeak moft bitterly, and {Irange.

Ifab. Moil ftrange, but yet moll truly, \viil I fpeuk;
That Angela 's forfworn : is it not ilrange?
That Angela 's a murth'rer : is't not itrange ?
An hypocrite, a virgin-violater:
Is it not ilrange, and ilrange ? \

Duke. Nay, it is ten times (Irange.

Ifab* It is not truer he is Angelo,
Than this is all as true, as it is Itrange :
Nay, it is ten times true ; for truth is truth,
To th* end ot reckoning.

Duke. Away with her ; poor foul !
She fpeaks this in th' infirmity of fenfe.

Jjhb. O Prince, I conjure thee, as thou believ'il
There is another comfort than this world,

* Vail — for caft.

f Thefe emphatic repetitions of the word Jujlice! are well
imagined, and have a fine, forreable effect.

J This fpeech is very feelingly written, and requires the cx-»
preflion of itrong feafibility.

That

58 MEASURE for MEASURE.

That thou neglect me not, with that opinion

That I urn touch'd with madnefs. Make not impoffible

That which but feems unlike; 'tis not impollible,

J3ut one, the wicked'ft cainff on the ground,

May fecm as fliy, as grave, as juil, as abfolute,

As -'fy^clo ] even fo may Angdt^

In allhis dreilings, camels, titles, forms,

Bean arch-villain: believe it, royal Prince,

If he be lefs, he's nothing; bat he's more,

Had I more name, for badnefs.

Duke. By mine honeity,
It {he be rnad, as I believe no other,
Her madnefs hath the cddeil frame of fenfe f
Such a. dependency of thing on thing,
As e'er I heard in madnefs.

Jjab. Gracious Duke,

Harp not on that ; nor do not banifii reafon,
For inequality : but let your reafon ferve
To make the truth appear, where it feema hid ,•
Not hide the falfe, feems true.

JDuke, Many, that are not mad,
Have, fure, more lack of reafon.
What would you fay ?

Ijab. I am the filter of one Claudia,
Condemn'd, upon the Act of Fornication^
To lofe his head ; condermi'd by Angclv :
I, in probation of a fiiterhood,
Was lent to by my brother ; one Lucio
Was then the meffengcr- •

Luclo. That's I, an't like your Grace :
I came to her from Claudia, and defir'd her
To try her gracious fortune with Lord Angdot
For her poor brother's pardon.

Ijab. That's he indeed.

Duke, You were not bid to fpeak. [To Lucio.

Lucio. No, my good Lord, nor wifli'J to hold my
peace.

Duke. I wifli you now then ;
Pray you, take note of it : and when you have.

MEASURE for MEASURE. 59

A bufinefs for your lei r", pray heav'n, you then
Be perfect.

Lucia. I warrant your Honour.

Duke. Tne warrant's for yourielf ; take heecito'r.

Jfub. This gentleman told fomewhat of my tale.

Luc'w. Right. "*

Duke. It may be right, but you are in the wrong,
To fpeak before your time. Proceed.

Ifabf I went
To this pernicious caitiff Deputy.

Duke. That's fomewhat madly fpoken.

]fal>. Pardon it:
The phrale is to the matter.

Duke. Mended .again : the matter -proceed,

Ifab. In brief; (to let the needleis proeefs by,
How I perfuaded, how I pray'd and kneel'd,
How he repell'd me, and how I reply'd ;
For this was of much length) the vileconclufion
I now begin with grief and fhame to utter.
He would not, but by gift of my chafte perfon,
Relcafe my brother; a id after much debatemrnr,
My fiilerly remorfe confutes mine honour,
And I did yield to him : but the next morn, betimes,
His purpole forfeiting, he fends a warrant,
For my poor brother's head.

Dn'kc. This is moil likely !

JfiA. Oh, that it were as like, as it is true !

Duke. By heav'n, fond wretch, thou know'il not

what thou fpeak 'it ;

Or elfe thou art luborn'd againll his honour,
la hateful practice. Firit, his integrity
Stands without blemifh ; next, it imports no reafon,
That with fuch vehemence he fhould purfue
P'anlrs proper to himfclt : it he had to otTended,
He would have weigh'd thy brother by himfelf,
And not have cut him otf. Some one hath fet you on :

* Lucia's coxcomical forvvardnefs has always a very pleafant
eOift, in reprefentation j to give him his tiuer the laft fcene would be
very flat, without him ; his reafbning, here and there, is rather too
kigh, but in general palatable.

Confefs

60 MEASURE for MEASURE.

Confefs the truth, and fay, by whofe advice,
Thou cam'il here to complain. *

Ijhb. And is this All ?
Then, oh, you blefied minillers above !
Keep me in patience; and with ripen'd time,
Unfold the evil which is here wrapt up
In countenance : heav'n fhield your Grace from woe!
As I, thus wrong'd, hence unbelieved go.

Duke. I know you'd fain be gone. An officer !
To prifon with her ; (hall we thus permit
A blailing and a fcandalous breath to fall
On him fo near us ? this needs mull be a practice.
Who knew of your intent, and coming hither ?

Ifab. One that I would were here, Friar Lodowick.

Duke* A ghoilly father, belike :
Who knows that Lodtnvick?

Lncio, My Lord, I know him ; 'tis a meddling Friar;
I do not like the man ; had he been Lay, my Lord,
For certain words he fpake againil your Grace,
In your retirement, I had fwing'd him ibundly.

Duke. Words againlt me? This is a good Friar belike ;
And to fet on this wretched woman here,
Againft our Subilitute ! let this Friar be found.

Lucio. But yeilernighf, my Lord, fhe and that I7riv\
I faw them at the prifon : a fancy Friar,
A very fcurvy fellow.

Peter. Bleiled be your royal Grace !
I have Hood by, my Lord, and I have heard
Your royal ear abus'd. Firil, hath this woman
Moil wrongfully accus'd your Subilitute ;
Who is as free from touch or ioil with her,
As fhe from one ungot.

Duke. We did believe no lefs.
Know you that Friar Lodow'u-k, which fhe fpeaks of?

Peter. I know him for a man divine and holy j
Not fcurvy, nor a temporary meddler,
As he's reported by this gentleman j

* The Duke's ftrong fcruples, to credit Ifabella's heavy chargc;
ii finety imagin'd, to render sfnge/o's fituation more interesting.

6 And

MEASURE for MEASURE. 61

And, on my truft, a man that never yet
Did, as he vouches, mifreport your Grace.

Lucio. My Lord, mod villainouily ; believe it.

Peter. Well; he in time may come to clear- himfelf j
But at this inftant he is lick, my Lord,
Of a ftrange fever.
As for this woman ;
To juftify this worthy Nobleman,
So vulgarly and personally accus'd,
Her {hall you hear difproved to her eyes,
'Till (he herfelf confefs it.

Duke. Good Friar, let's hear it.
Do you not fmile at this, Lord Angelo ? *
O heav'n ! the vanity of wretched fools !— — .
Give us fome feats ; come, coufin Angela %
Tn this I will be partial: be you Judge,
Of your own caufe. Is this the witnefs, Friar?

[Ifabella is carried off t guard tv\

Enter Mariana,

irfti let her (hew her face; and after, fpeak*

Mari. Pardon, my Lord, I will not (hew my Face,
Until my hufband bid me.

Duke. What, are you marry'd ?

Mart. No, my Lord.

Duke. Are you a maid ?

Marl. No, my Lord.

Duke. A widow, then ?

Marl. Neither, my Lord*

Duke. Why, are you nothing then ? neither maid,
Widow, nor wife ?

Ludo. My Lord, fhe may be a punk ; for many oi
them are neither maid, widow, nor wife, f

* The progreflive fteps to Angela's deteftion, keep expeflation in
play, and bring the refult upon us with more force*

•f Lvcios pert interruptions, through this fcene, are very Iftugh-
able and chara£lerlHic.

VOL. Ill, * J **

6* MEASURE for MEASURE.

Duke. Silence that fellow: I would he had fomc
caufe to prattle for himfelf.

Lucio. Well, my Lord.

Man. My Lord, I do confefs, I ne'er was marry *d ;
And I confefs befides, I am no maid ;
I've known my hufband ; yet my hufband knows not,
That ever he knew me.

Lucio. He was drunk then, my Lord ; it can be
no better.

Duke. For the benefit of filence, would thou wert
fo too !

Lucio. Well, my LorcJ.

Duke. This is no witnefs for Lord Angeh.

Man. Now I come to't, my Lord.
She, that accufes him of fornication,
In felf-fame manner doth accufe my hulband ;
And charges him, my Lord, with fuch a time,
When J'll depofe I had him in mine arms,
With all th' effeft of love.

Ang. Charges fhe .move than me 3

Marl. Not that I know.

Duke. No? you fay, yourhufbaud. [To Marian.

Marl. Why, juft, my Lord ; and that is Angela.

Ang. This is a llrange abufe j let's fee thy face.

Mar i. My hulband bids me j now I will unmafk.

This is that face, thou cruel Angelo,

Which once thou iwor'ft, was worth the looking on:

This is the hand, which, with a vow'd contract,

Was fail belock'd in thine ; this is the body,

That took away the match from Ifabel ;

And did fupply thec,

.In her imagm'd perfon.

Duke. Know } ou this \roman ?

Lucio. Carnally, {he fays.

Duke. Sirrah, no more.

Lucio. Enough, my Lord.

Ang. My Lord, I in urt confefs, I know this woman ;
And five years fmce there was fome fpeech of marriage,
Betwixt myfelf and her ; which was broke otf,

MEASURE for MEASURE, 63

Partly, for that her promifed proportions

Came fhort ot compofition ; but, in chielv

For that her reputation was difvalu'd,

In levity ; fince which time of live years,

I never fpake with her, faw her, nor heard from her,

Upon my taith and honour.

Marl. Noble Prince,
As there comes light from heav'n, and words from

breath ;

As there is fenfe in truth, and truth in virtue ;
I am afrunc'd this man's wife, as ilrongly,,
As words could make up vows >
As this is true,

Let me in fafety raife me from my knees *r
Or elfe for ever be confixed here,
A marble monument.

Axg. I did but fmile, 'till now.
Now, good my Lord, give me the Icope of jufHcG£
My patience here is touch 'd ; I do perceive,
Theie poor- informal women are no more
But muniments of fome more mighty member,
That fets them on. Let me have way, my Lord,.
To find this practice outv

Duke. Ay, with my heart ;
And punifh them unto your height of pleafure.
Thou foolffli Friar, and thou' pernicious woman,
Compaft with her that's gone; think'il thou, thy oaths,
Tho' they would fwear down each particular Saint,
Were tefti monies 'gainft his worth and credit,
That's feal'd in approbation ? You, Lord Ejcdlus^
Sit with my coufin ; lend him your kind pains,
To find out this abufe, whence 'tis deriv'JL
There is another Friar, that let them on ;
Let him be lent for..

Peter. Would he were here, my Lord ! for he indeed,
I7a:h fet the women on to this complaint ;
Your Provo/i knows the place where he abides ;
And he may fetch him.

I \ * Duke.

64 MEASURE for MEASURE,

Duke. Go, do it, inftantly.
And, you, my noble and well-warranted Coufin,
Whom it concerns to hear this matter forth ;
Do with your injuries, as feems you beft,
In any chaitifement : I, fora while,
\Vill leave you ; but ftir not you, till you have well
Determin'd upon thefe flanderers. * [Exit.

JS/cal. My Lord, we'll do it thoroughly. Signior Lucio,
did not you fay, you knew that Friar Lodowick to be a
diihoneft perfon ?'

Lucio. CucuLlus non facit monachum ; honeft in no
thing, but in his cloaths; and one that hath fpoke moil
villainousfpeeches of the Duke.

Efcal. We fliali intreat you to abide here, till he
come ; we lhall find this Friar « notable fellow.

Lucio. As any in Vienna, on my word.

Efcal. Call that fame Ifabel here, once again : I would
fpeak with her ; pray you, my Lord, give me leave to
queftion ; you ihall iee how 1 11 handle her.

Lucio. Not better than he, by her own report.

Efcal. Say you?

Lucio. Marry, Sir, I think, if you handled her pri *
vately, fhe mould fooner confefs ; perchance, publicly
fhe'll be afnam'd.

Enter .Duke in the Friar's halit, and Provofl ; Ifabella
is brought in.

E/cal. I will go darkly to work with her.

Lucio. That's the way ; for women are light, at mid
night.

Efcal. Come on, midrefs ; laere's a gentlewoman de
nies all that you have faid.

Ludo. My Lord, here comes the rafcal I fpoke of,
here with the Provojt,

* This encouragement, and peculiar countenance, fliewn to
Ange'o, is a judicious preparation to render his fituation more
smfciKf, 4t Uoe cataftrophc.

Efcd,

MEASURE for MEASURE, 65

Efcal. In very good time : fpeak not you to him,
till we call upon you.

Lucia, Mum— — —

EjcaL Come, Sir, did you fet thefe women on, tf
flander Lord Angela ? ithey have confefs'd you did,

Duke. 'Tis falfe.

Efcal. How ? know you where you nre •?

Duke. Refped to your great place ! and let the devil
Be ibmetime honour d ; for his burning throne.
Where is the Duke? 'tis he (hould hear me fpeak.

EfcaL The Duke's in usj and we will hear you fpeak:.
Look, you fpeak juftly.

Duke. Boldly, at lead. But oh, poor fouls,
Come you to feek the lamb here of the fox ?
Good-night to your redrefs : is the Duke gone ?
TJien is your caufe gone too. The Duke's unjuft,
Thus to retort your manifeft appeal,
And put your trial in the villain's mouth,
W hich here you come t& accufe.

Lvcio. This is the rafcal ; this is he, I fpoke of.

Fjcah Why, thou unrev'rend and unhallow'd Friar ^
Is't not enough thou haflfuborn'd thefe women,
T'accufe this worthy man, but with foul mouth,
To call him villain ; and then, glance from him,
To th' Duke himfelf, to tax him with injullice ?
Take him hence; to th' rack with him : we'll touze your
Joint by joint, but we will know his purpofe :
What? unjuft ?•

Dukr. Be not fo hot ; the Duke dare no more flretch
This finger of mine, then he dare rack his own :'
His fubjeet am I not,

Nor here provincial; rny buimefs in this ltater.
Made me a looker on here in Vienna ;
Where I have feen corruption boil and bubble,
'Till it o'er-run the flew :

Efcal. Slander to th' Hate ! away with him to prifon,

Ang* What can you vouch againlt him, Signior

Luch ?

Is this the man, that you did tell us of ?-
I i 3

66 .MEASURE for MEASURE.

/0. Tis he, my Lord. Come hither, goodman

bald-pate ;
Do you know me ?

Duke. I remember you, Sir, by the found of yonr
voice; I met you at the prifon, in the abfence of the
Duke.

Lndo. Oh, did you fo ? and do you remember what
you laid of the Duke ?
Duke. Mod notedly, Sir.

Lucio. Do you fo, Sir? and was the Dirke a flefn-
: monger, a fool, and a coward, as you then, reported
him to be ?

Duke. You mu ft, "Sir, change perforrs with me, ere
you make that rny report : you fpoke fo of him, a"nd
much more, much worfe.

Lucio. Oh thou damnable fellow \ did -not I pluck
thee by the nofe, for thy fpeeches ?

Duke. I proteil, I love the Duke, as I love myfelf.
Aug. Hark ! how the villain would clofe now., after
his treasonable abiifes.

' Ejlal. Such a fellow is not to be talk'd -withal ; away
wiih him to prifon ; axvay with thofe giglets too, ami
with the other confederate companion.
Duke. Stay, Sir, iiay, a-whiie.
Ang. What ! refills he.? help hi in, Lucia.
Lucio. Come, Sir; come, Sir; come, Sir; foh-, Sir;
ivhy, you bald-pated lying rafcal ; you mull be hood
ed, muft you ? lho\v your knave's viiage, wirh a pox
to you ; mow your fheep-biting face, and be hang'd
an hour : wili't not off?

[Pulls off the Friar's hood, and difcows the Duke.
Duke, Thou art the firil: knave, that -e'er madlt.a

Duke.

Eirft, Pro<i>t>ft, let me bail thefe gentle three.
Sneak not away, Sir ; for the Friar and you
Mult have a word, anon: lay hold'on him.
Lucio. This may prove worfe than hanging.

What you. have fpoke, I pardon ; fit you
' \To Efcalus.

We'll

MEASURE for MEASURE; 67

Well borrow place of him. Sir, by your leave:

[To Angela,.

Haft thou or word, or wit, or impudence,
That yet can do thee office ? if thou. hafty,
Rely upon it till my tale be heard,
And hold no longer our.

Ang. O my dread Lord,
1 fliould be guiltier than my guiltinefs^,
To think I can be undifcerr.ible ;
When I perceive your Grace, like pow'r diving
Hath look'd upon my pafles*: then, good Prince*.
No longer ieffion hold upon my ftiame ;
But let my trial be mine own confe'Jion :
Immediate fentence then, and fequent death
.Is all the grace I beg.

Duke. Come hither, Mariana?-
Say ; waft thou e'er contracted to this woman ?;
Ang. I was, my Lord.,

Duke. Go take her hence, and marry her, inftantly..
Do you the office, Friar; which confummate,
Return him here again: go with him, Prov&ft.

[Exeunt Angelo, Mariana, Peter, and ProvouV
Efcal My Lord, I am more amaz'd at his difhonour,
Than at the ftrangenefs of it..
Duke. Come hither, Ifabch.
Ifab. Oh, give me pardon,
That I, your vaflal, have employed and paia'd
Your unknown fovereignty..

Duke. You are -pardon'd, Ifald:
And now, dear maid, be you as tree to us.
Your brother's deat^i, I know, fits at yotirh^art,.
And you may marvel, why I.obfcur'd m}felf,
Labouring to fave his life;
Oh, molt kind maid,.
IT was the fwift celerity of his death;
Which, I did think with flower foot came on,
That brain'd my purpofe : but peace be with hin>J
That life is better life, paft fearing death,

for ways,

Enter

68 MEASURE for MEASURE.

Than that which lives to fear: mate it your comfort -
So, happy is your brother.

Enter Angelo,. Mariana,. Peter, rf.WProvoft*.

lfa&. I do,, my Lord.

Dxfa. For this new-marry'd man, approaching here,
Whofe fait imagination yet hath wrong'd
Your well-defended ^honour, you muft pardon,
For Marianas fake : but as he adjudg'd your blether,
Being criminal, in double violation,.
Of facred chalHty, and of promife-breachj
Thereon dependant for your brother's life,
The very mercy, of the law cries out,,
Moft audible, even from his proper tongue,
An Angela for Claudio \ death for death.
Hafte itill pays haile, and leifure anfwers leifure;
Like doth quit like, and Meafure {till for Meafure*.
Then, Angela, thy faults are manifefted ;
Which tho' thou woulil'fl deny,, denies thee vantage,
We do condemn thee to the very block,
Where Claudio ftoop'd tq death. ;, and with like hafte;
Away with him..

Mart. Oh, my moft gracious Lord,.
1 hope, you will not mock me with a hu{hand ?

Duke. It is your hulband mock'dyou with a hulband*.
Confenting to the fafeguard of your honour,.
I thought your marriage fit ; elfe imputation,
For that he knew you, might reproach your life,
And choke your good tq come : for his poffellions, .,
Altho* by confiication they are ours,
We do enftate and widow you .withal*..
To buy you a better hufbaud.

Mart. Oh, my dear Lord,
1 crave no other, nor no, better-man..

Duke. Never crave him ; we are definitive.,

Mkfit. Gentls my Liege: —

:*' This marriage is celebrated in a very fliort improbable fpacfi
of tim3- ; but as the author was here circumftanced, he could not
well allow more.

3 Duke.

MEASURE for MEASURE. 69

Duke. You do but lofe your labour :
Away with him to death.

Mart. Oh, my good Lord. Sweet lfabtlt take my

part;

Lend me your knees, nnd all my life to come
I'll lend you all my life, to do you fervice.

Duke. Aguinil all fenfe you do importune her ;
Should (he kneel down, in mercy of this fact,
Her brother's ghoil his paved bed would break,
And take her hence in horror.

Man. Ifabcl)
Oh, Ifabel! will you not lend a knee?

Duke. He dies for Claudius death.

Jfab. Moil bounteous Sir, [Kneeling.

Look, if it pleafe you, on this man condemn'd,
As if my brother liv'd : I partly think,
A due fmcerity governed his deeds,
'Till he did look on me; fmce it is fo,
Let him not die. My brother had but juftice,
In that he did the thing for which hedy'd ;
For Angela^ his act did" not overtake his bad intent ;
And muft be bury'd but as an intent,
That penih'd by the way : thoughts are no fubjecls j
Intents, but meerly thoughts.

Mart. Meerly, my Lord.

Duke. Yourfuit's unprofitable^ Hand up, I fay :
J have bethought me of another fault.
Provoft, how came it, Claudia was beheaded,
At an unufual hour?

Prov. It was commanded fo.

Duke. Had you a fpecial warrant for the deed ?

Prov. No, my good Lord ; it was by private nieflage*

Duke. For which I do difchargcyou of your office :
Give up your key?.

Prov. Pardon me, noble Lord.
I thought it was a fault, but knew it not ;
Yet did repent me, aher more advice :
For teftimony whereof one in th' prifon,
That Ihould by private order elie have dy'd,
I have referv'd alive.

Duke.

70 MEASURE fer MEASURE.

Duke. What's he?

Prov. His name is Barnardine.

Duke. I would, thou had'it done fo by Claudia f
Go, fetch him hither ; let me look upon him.

Efcal. I'm forry, one fo learned and fo wife,
As you, Lord Angela, have itill appear'd,
Should flip fo groisly both in heat of blood,
And lack of temper'd judgment afterward,

Ang. I'm fony, that fuch forrow I procure;
And fo deep flicks it in my penitent heart,
That I crave death more willingly than mercy :
>Tis my deferring, and I do intreat it.

Enter Provofl, Barnardine, Claudio, and Julietta*

Duke. Which is that Barnardine ?

Prov. This, my Lord.

Duke. There was a .Fr/Vir told me of this man*:
Sirrah, thou'it faid to have a itubborn foul,.
That apprehends no further than this world ;
And fquar'it thy life according : thou'rt condemn'd ;
But for thofe earthly faults, I quit them all ;:
I pray thee, take this mercy to provide
For better times to come.
What muffled fellow's that ?

Prov* This is. another prifoner, that I fav*iJ,
Who (hould have dy'd when Claudio loll his head,
As like almoU to Claudio as himfeif.

Duke. If he be like your brother, for his fake

(To Ifab.

Is he pardon'd ; and for your lovely fake,
He is my brother too ; but litter time for that.
By this, Lord Angela perceives he's fare ;
Methinks, I fee a quick'ning in his eye..
Well, Angela t your evil quits you well ;
Look, that you love your wife ; her worth, worth yours*
I End an apt remifliqn in myfelf,
And yet here's one in place I cannot pardon.
You, lii rah,, that knew me for a fool, a coward,

\To Lucio.
Qnc of all luxu*y, an afs, a mad man ;

Wherein

MEASURE for MEASURE. 71

Wherein have I deferved fo of you,
That you extol me thus ?

Ludo. 'Faith, my Lord. I fpoke it but according to
the trick ; if you will hang me for it, you may : but I
had rather it would pleafe you, I might be whipt.

Duke. Whipt firft, Sir, and hang'd after.
Proclaim it, Pravtft) round about the city ;
If any woman, wrong'd by this lewd fellow,
(As I have heard him fwear himfelf there's one
Whom he begot with child) let her appear,
And he fhall marry her ; the nuptial finifh'd,
Let him be whipt and hang'd.

Lucio. I befeech your Highnefs, do not marry me to
a whore : your Highnefs faid, even now, I made you a
Duke; good my Lord, do not recompenfe me, IB
making me a cuckold.

Duke. Upon mine honour, thou (halt marry her:
Thy ilanders I forgive, and therewithal
Remit thy other forfeits ; take him to prifon :
And fee our pleafure herein executed.

Lucio. Marrying a punk, my Lord, is preflmg t»
death, whipping and hanging,

Duke. Sland'ring a Prince deferves it>
She, Claudioy that you wrong'd, look you reftore.
Joy to you, Mariana: love her, Angelo;
I have contefs'd her, and I know her virtue.
Thanks, good friend Ejcalus, tor thy much goodnefs:
Thanks, Provoft, for thy care and fecrccy ;
\Ve (hall employ thee in a, worthier place * :

Dear

* The Duke's difpofition of affairs and characters, is not only
ftriftly juft, but exceedingly pleafing, and well fulfils the title of
the piece : the five diflinguifhed lines, which conclude, are an
addition, by whom we know not j however, they afford a better
finishing, than that fupplied by Sbakffpeare 9 upon the whole of
this play, for we cannot ftile it either Tragedy or Comedy, there
are feveral great beauties, clouded with much trifling and indecent
dialogue : it muft always be heavy to the majority of an audience j
yet, purged of impurities and fuperfluities, as we hope the reader*
will find ir, in this edition, it may be entertaining and inftrudive in
the clofet: to royal and princely characters it offers a moll va-

Juablc

72 MEASURE for MEASURE.

Dear Ifahel, I have a motion much imports your good,

Shade n /, j'wcet Joint ^ thnfe graces with a <veily

jNor in a Nunnery bide tbee ; Jay tborfrt mine;

Thy Duke^ tby Friar, tempts thee from thy.vovjs*

Let tly clear Jpiritjbine inpullick life ;

No cloijler'djjftcr) but tJjy Prince *j Wife*

[Exeunt, f

luable truth — that nothing is more dangerous, than to truft a
feemmgly virtuous llatefman with too extenfive powers of rule over
his fellow -fubjeds j delegated authority being generally more liable
to abufe, than the power which gives it.

f Though we approve the cataftrophe, when unfolded, yet it
appears tedious ' in the winding up ; wherefore the laft aft teems
heavieft of the five.

for MF. AfUR X:

.e

Voltaire, Frangois Marie
2077 Arouet de

M5 Merope

1776

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